The 2025 Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Grant is now open for applications. The program aims to empower young African entrepreneurs by providing $5,000 in funding to support sustainable businesses, drive economic growth, and contribute to poverty reduction across Africa.
This post provides detailed information about the program, including its eligibility requirements, benefits, and a step‑by‑step guide on how to apply.
Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Program – Overview
- Host: Tony Elumelu Foundation
- Category: Training | Fellowships
- Eligible Countries: All African countries
- Benefits: $5,000 seed funding and business training
- IELTS Requirement: Not required
- Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Program – Details
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) was established in 2010 by Tony O. Elumelu, CON—an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist committed to driving sustainable economic development across Africa.
The foundation’s entrepreneurship grant is designed to support underserved communities in Sub‑Saharan Africa, including men, women, young people, and participants in the informal sector. Through this initiative, TEF aims to equip entrepreneurs with the tools and resources needed to build sustainable businesses.
The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Grant is supported by a multi‑million‑dollar fund that provides access to seed funding, market opportunities, business knowledge, and technical training—particularly supporting women entrepreneurs across Africa.
For the 2026 application cycle, the following programmes are available:
- TEF Flagship Entrepreneurship Programme:
Open to entrepreneurs across Africa with business ideas or existing businesses. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. - IYBA‑WE4A Entrepreneurship Programme:
Open exclusively to women entrepreneurs with green business ideas or existing green businesses in Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon, Kenya, Mozambique, Malawi, and Togo. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. - Aguka Ideation Programme:
Targeted at Rwandan entrepreneurs with businesses at the idea stage. Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years old. - BeGreen Africa Programme:
Open to entrepreneurs with green businesses in Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa, as well as waste‑management businesses in Kenya. Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
Requirements for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Grant 2026
To be eligible for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Grant, applicants must:
- Be African entrepreneurs with business ideas or startups that show potential for growth
- Be at least 18 years old at the time of application
- Have either a viable business idea or an existing business
Benefits of the 2026 Tony Elumelu Foundation Grant
Selected participants will receive:
- Non‑refundable seed funding of $5,000
- A 12‑week world‑class business training programme
- Access to the TEF Alumni Network, comprising over 15,000 entrepreneurs across Africa
- Mentorship and networking opportunities through Africa’s largest digital platform for entrepreneurs, TEFConnect.net
How to Apply
- Visit the official Tony Elumelu Foundation website
- Create an account on the application portal
- Complete the application form with accurate details
- Submit your application before the official deadline
Deadline : March 1, 2026
⚠️ Important Notice
ScholarshipPlusJobs does not request any payment for applications. Applicants are advised to apply only through the official Tony Elumelu Foundation website and remain cautious of individuals requesting fees or acting as agents.
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