CALL FOR APPLICATIONS | Africans Invited to Apply for the 2026 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Africa’s leading philanthropy empowering young entrepreneurs, has officially announced the opening of applications for the 2026 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme.

Designed to equip Africa’s next generation of business leaders with funding, training, and mentorship, the programme continues TEF’s mission of catalysing economic transformation across the continent through entrepreneurship.

What Selected Entrepreneurs Will Receive

Successful applicants will benefit from a comprehensive support package that includes:

• US$5,000 non-refundable seed capital to launch or scale their businesses
• 12 weeks of structured business training delivered via TEF’s proprietary digital platform, TEFConnect
• World-class mentorship from experienced business leaders and industry experts
• Access to TEF’s extensive pan-African entrepreneurial ecosystem
• Entry into a powerful network of over 24,000 TEF alumni spanning all 54 African countries

A Proven Track Record of Impact

Since its launch in 2010, TEF has empowered more than 2.5 million young Africans with access to business management training through TEFConnect. The Foundation has disbursed over US$100 million in seed capital to more than 24,000 entrepreneurs through the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme.

Collectively, these entrepreneurs have generated over US$4.2 billion in revenue and created more than 1.5 million direct and indirect jobs. Through its sustained support of African-owned businesses, TEF has helped lift 2.1 million people out of poverty, with 45% of supported entrepreneurs being women.

Who Can Apply?

The 2026 programme is open to:

• Africans from any of the 54 African countries
• Individuals aged 18 years and above
• Applicants with a business idea, an unregistered venture, or an existing business not older than five years

How to Apply

Interested applicants should:

• Visit www.TEFConnect.com
• Create an account or log in
• Carefully complete the online application form
• Submit before the deadline

Applications close on 1 March 2026.

The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme remains one of Africa’s most transformative initiatives dedicated to nurturing entrepreneurship as a pathway to economic empowerment and sustainable development.

For more information and to apply, visit www.TEFConnect.com.

About the Tony Elumelu Foundation
Founded in 2010, the Tony Elumelu Foundation is the leading African philanthropy committed to empowering African entrepreneurs and promoting inclusive economic growth across the continent.