Empowerment takes center stage this year as the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) officially invites early-stage entrepreneurs across Africa to join its 2026 Entrepreneurship Programme. This initiative offers a lifeline to visionary founders, providing a $5,000 non-refundable seed grant to help scale innovative business ideas into profitable ventures.
Driving the “Africapitalism” Vision
Built on the principle that the private sector is the engine of Africa’s growth, TEF has already invested over $100 million into the continent’s economy since 2015. With more than 20,000 alumni across 54 countries, the foundation continues to bridge the gap between brilliant ideas and the capital needed to execute them.
What the 2026 Package Includes
Successful applicants receive a comprehensive support system that goes far beyond a bank transfer:
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Business Training: A structured online curriculum via TEFConnect covering financial management, marketing, and strategy.
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Expert Mentorship: Direct access to seasoned business leaders for one-on-one guidance.
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Global Networking: Inclusion in an elite ecosystem of investors, policymakers, and fellow entrepreneurs.
Are You Eligible?
The foundation is looking for diverse talent across all sectors—from Agribusiness and Tech to Healthcare and the Creative Arts. To qualify, you must:
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Be a legal resident or citizen of an African nation.
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Be at least 18 years of age.
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Operate a business that is in the early stages (0 to 5 years old).
Note: The foundation strongly encourages applications from women and speakers of French, Portuguese, and Arabic to ensure continental inclusivity.
How to Secure Your Spot
The application window is currently open and will close promptly at 23:59 GMT on March 1, 2026.
To apply, entrepreneurs should visit the official TEFConnect platform, complete their profile, and submit a detailed business plan. It is important to note that the entire process is completely free; the foundation does not charge any fees for applications or participation.
Expanding a Legacy of Success
This latest call for applications follows a landmark year in 2025, where the foundation’s chairman, Tony Elumelu, reaffirmed his commitment to “Africapitalism” during the Abuja Business and Investment Expo. With 24,000 entrepreneurs empowered to date, the 2026 cohort is set to further strengthen the continent’s economic resilience.
