Applications are now open for the 2026 Entrepreneurship Programme by the Tony Elumelu Foundation, one of Africa’s largest initiatives dedicated to supporting young entrepreneurs.

The programme provides $5,000 in non-refundable seed capital, alongside business training, mentorship, and networking opportunities for emerging business leaders across the continent.

Designed to empower the next generation of African innovators, the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme helps founders transform promising ideas into thriving businesses that create jobs and drive economic growth across Africa.

About the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme

The Tony Elumelu Foundation launched its flagship entrepreneurship initiative in 2015 to support African entrepreneurs at the early stages of their business journeys. The programme is built on the philosophy of Africapitalism, which emphasizes the role of the private sector in accelerating Africa’s economic development and social progress.

Since its inception, the foundation has invested over $100 million in more than 20,000 entrepreneurs across 54 African countries. These investments have helped businesses grow, create jobs, and contribute to local economic development throughout the continent.

The 2026 edition aims to identify, train, mentor, and fund a new cohort of young African entrepreneurs with innovative ideas or existing businesses that demonstrate strong growth potential.

Programme Benefits

Participants selected for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme receive a comprehensive package of support designed to help them launch and scale successful businesses.

$5,000 Non-Refundable Seed Capital

Each selected entrepreneur receives $5,000 in seed funding to launch or expand their business. This capital is non-refundable, allowing founders to invest directly in product development, operations, or market expansion.

World-Class Business Training

Participants gain access to the TEFConnect, the foundation’s digital entrepreneurship platform. The platform offers a structured online curriculum covering key topics such as:

Business strategy and planning

Marketing and customer acquisition

Financial management

Scaling and sustainability

One-on-One Mentorship

Selected entrepreneurs are paired with experienced mentors who provide personalized guidance and practical insights. This mentorship helps participants refine their business models, overcome challenges, and make strategic decisions.

Networking and Market Access

The programme also connects participants with a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts across Africa. These connections can lead to new partnerships, collaborations, and investment opportunities.

Who Can Apply?

The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme is open to aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs across Africa who meet the following criteria:

Applicants must be citizens or legal residents of an African country.

Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

They must have a business idea or an existing business not older than five years.

The business must operate within Africa and demonstrate strong growth potential.

Entrepreneurs from all sectors are encouraged to apply, including:

Technology and innovation

Agriculture and agribusiness

Manufacturing and production

Fashion and creative industries

Healthcare and social enterprises

Renewable energy and sustainability

This broad eligibility ensures that entrepreneurs from diverse industries can benefit from the programme.

Application Process

Applications for the 2026 Entrepreneurship Programme must be submitted online through the TEFConnect portal.

The application process involves several simple steps:

Visit the TEFConnect platform and create an account.

Verify the email address and complete the personal profile.

Fill in detailed information about the business idea or existing venture.

Select the 2026 Entrepreneurship Programme from the available opportunities.

Review the application carefully and submit it before the official deadline.

Applicants are encouraged to provide clear and well-structured information about their business model, impact potential, and growth plans.

Why This Programme Matters

The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme plays a critical role in strengthening Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. By providing funding, training, mentorship, and networking opportunities, the programme helps entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses that generate employment and stimulate economic growth.

For young innovators across the continent, this initiative offers more than financial support—it provides the tools, knowledge, and community needed to succeed in today’s competitive business landscape.

Final Thoughts

The 2026 Entrepreneurship Programme from the Tony Elumelu Foundation represents a powerful opportunity for African entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into impactful businesses. With seed funding, expert mentorship, and world-class training, selected participants gain the resources required to build sustainable ventures that contribute to Africa’s long-term development.

Aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to prepare their applications early and take advantage of this transformative opportunity to grow their businesses and make a meaningful impact across the continent.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is offering this funding. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.

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