Africa’s Premier Entrepreneurship Initiative Fuels the Next Wave of African Innovators
$5,000 in non-refundable seed funding, elite training, and expert mentorship available for Africa’s most promising founders
Over 24,000 entrepreneurs funded, 2.5 million trained, 1.5 million jobs created, and US$4.2 billion in revenue generated since 2015
1 January 2026 — The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has officially launched applications for the 2026 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, inviting driven young entrepreneurs from all 54 African nations to apply through TEFConnect.
Selected participants will receive US$5,000 in non-refundable seed capital, comprehensive business training, personalized mentorship, and access to Africa’s largest entrepreneurial network.
Since its inception in 2015, the programme has supported more than 24,000 entrepreneurs, equipped 2.5 million Africans with business skills, created over 1.5 million jobs, and generated in excess of US$4.2 billion in revenue — demonstrating the powerful role African entrepreneurs play in driving economic transformation.
The programme continues to champion inclusive development, with women now accounting for 46% of all TEF entrepreneurs, the highest level of female participation recorded by any entrepreneurship initiative of this scale.
Speaking at the 2026 launch, Tony O. Elumelu, CFR, Founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation and Chairman of Heirs Holdings Group, emphasized:
“Africa’s greatest resource is its people. The continent does not need aid — it needs investment: in infrastructure, institutions, and most importantly, in its youth.
Through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, we demonstrate that when entrepreneurs are empowered, they generate jobs, accelerate growth, and uplift entire communities.
Entrepreneurs are the future of Africa.”
Applications for the 2026 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme are open from 1 January to 1 March 2026 at www.TEFConnect.com.
If I get this grant, I shall create job opportunities for youths
Great