Applications are now open for the 2026 Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Grant, a flagship initiative aimed at empowering young African entrepreneurs with funding, training, and mentorship.
The programme provides $5,000 in non-refundable seed capital to successful applicants, alongside world-class business training and access to Africa’s largest entrepreneurial network. The initiative is designed to drive economic growth, reduce poverty, and promote job creation across the continent.
—
Tony Elumelu Foundation Grant – Overview
Host: Tony Elumelu Foundation
Category: Training | Fellowships
Eligible Countries: All African countries
Reward: $5,000 seed funding + Business training
IELTS Required: No
Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
—
About the Tony Elumelu Foundation
Founded in 2010 by Tony O. Elumelu, CON, the Tony Elumelu Foundation is dedicated to empowering African entrepreneurs and strengthening Africa’s private sector. The foundation focuses on supporting underserved communities, including women, youth, and informal sector entrepreneurs across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme is backed by a $5 million fund, offering access to funding, training, mentorship, and global market opportunities.
—
Available TEF Programmes for 2026
1. TEF Flagship Entrepreneurship Programme
Open to entrepreneurs across Africa with business ideas or existing businesses.
Minimum age: 18 years.
2. IYBA-WE4A Entrepreneurship Programme
Exclusively for women entrepreneurs with green business ideas or existing green businesses in Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon, Kenya, Mozambique, Malawi, and Togo.
Minimum age: 18 years.
3. Aguka Ideation Programme
Open to Rwandan entrepreneurs with idea-stage businesses.
Age range: 18–30 years.
4. BeGreen Africa Programme
Open to green businesses in Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa, and waste-management businesses in Kenya.
Age range: 18–35 years.
—
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the 2026 Tony Elumelu Foundation Grant, applicants must:
Be African entrepreneurs
Be at least 18 years old
Have a viable business idea or a running business with growth potential
—
Benefits of the TEF Grant
Successful applicants will receive:
$5,000 non-refundable seed funding
12 weeks of world-class business training
Access to the TEF Alumni Network of over 15,000 entrepreneurs
Mentorship and networking opportunities via TEFConnect, Africa’s largest digital platform for entrepreneurs
How to Apply
Interested and qualified applicants should apply online through the official TEF platform:
👉 Apply Here
Application Deadline
March 1, 2026
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.