The Tony Elumelu Foundation has officially opened applications for the 2026 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, inviting ambitious young founders from all 54 African countries to apply via TEFConnect. The initiative aims to support the next generation of African entrepreneurs with funding, training, mentorship, and access to a continental business network.
Successful applicants will receive US$5,000 in non-refundable seed capital to kickstart their ventures, alongside intensive business training and one-on-one mentorship from experienced entrepreneurs. Participants also gain access to Africa’s largest entrepreneurship ecosystem, providing opportunities to connect, collaborate, and scale their businesses across borders.
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Since its inception in 2015, the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme has supported over 24,000 entrepreneurs, trained 2.5 million Africans, and helped generate more than 1.5 million jobs. Participating businesses have collectively generated over US$4.2 billion in revenue, demonstrating the transformative potential of African entrepreneurship for economic growth and job creation.
The programme continues to position African startups as key drivers of innovation, economic development, and cross-border trade, while equipping young founders with the skills, networks, and resources needed to build scalable and sustainable enterprises.
