The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has opened applications for its 2026 Entrepreneurship Programme, inviting young and ambitious founders from all 54 African countries to apply through the TEFConnect platform.
Successful candidates will receive a non-refundable seed grant of $5,000, alongside structured business training, mentorship and access to what the foundation describes as Africa’s largest entrepreneurship network.
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Since its launch in 2015, the programme has supported more than 24,000 entrepreneurs, trained about 2.5 million Africans, created over 1.5 million jobs and generated more than $4.2 billion in revenue. The foundation says these outcomes demonstrate the transformative potential of African-led enterprises. Women now account for 46% of beneficiaries, marking the highest female participation rate recorded by a programme of this scale.
Announcing the 2026 intake, TEF founder and Heirs Holdings chairman, Tony O. Elumelu, said Africa’s development depends on investing in its people rather than relying on aid. He stressed that empowering entrepreneurs drives job creation, economic growth and community transformation, adding that young innovators represent the continent’s future.
Applications for the 2026 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme will remain open from January 1 to March 1, 2026, via www.TEFConnect.com.
