apply-tef-entrepreneurship-programme-2026
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has opened applications for the 2026 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, inviting young African founders from all 54 countries on the continent to apply through its digital platform, TEFConnect.
The annual programme offers selected entrepreneurs US$5,000 in non-refundable seed capital, alongside intensive business training, mentorship, and access to what the Foundation describes as Africa’s largest entrepreneurship network.
The initiative targets early-stage founders with scalable business ideas capable of creating jobs and driving inclusive economic growth.
Since its launch in 2015, the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme has become one of Africa’s most expansive private-sector–led entrepreneurship initiatives.
Over the past decade, it has funded more than 24,000 entrepreneurs, trained 2.5 million Africans, supported the creation of over 1.5 million jobs, and helped generate more than US$4.2 billion in revenue, according to the Foundation.
The programme’s growing scale, TEF says, demonstrates the central role of entrepreneurship in addressing Africa’s development challenges through investment rather than aid.
It also reflects a long-term strategy focused on building resilient enterprises that can contribute to local economies and regional markets.
The 2026 programme continues a strong emphasis on inclusive growth, with women entrepreneurs now accounting for 46 per cent of all TEF-supported businesses—the highest female participation rate recorded by a programme of this scale on the continent.
The Foundation notes that this progress reflects deliberate efforts to expand access to capital, skills and networks for women-led enterprises across diverse sectors.
Speaking at the launch of the 2026 call for applications, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation and Chairman of Heirs Holdings Group, underscored the importance of investing in Africa’s human capital.
“Africa’s greatest asset is our people. Africa does not need aid; Africa needs investment, in infrastructure, in institutions, but most critically in our young,” Elumelu said.
“Through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, we show that when entrepreneurs are empowered, they create jobs, drive growth, and transform communities. Entrepreneurs are the future of Africa.”
Beyond financial support, the programme places strong emphasis on capacity building.
Entrepreneurs selected for the 2026 cohort will undergo structured business training, receive one-on-one mentorship from experienced business leaders, and gain access to peer networks that span the continent.
The Foundation says this ecosystem approach is critical to improving business survival rates and long-term impact.
Applications for the 2026 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme are open from 1 January to 1 March 2026, with submissions accepted exclusively through www.TEFConnect.com.
The Foundation also continues to track and publish detailed impact data across countries, sectors, and demographics.
Through its impact reports and success stories of entrepreneurs, TEF highlights how supported businesses are contributing to employment, income generation, and community development across Africa.
Founded on the philosophy of Africapitalism, the Tony Elumelu Foundation promotes the idea that Africa’s private sector is the most effective driver of sustainable development.
Its work focuses on empowering entrepreneurs as agents of change capable not only of building profitable enterprises, but also of advancing poverty reduction and inclusive growth across the continent.
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