The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) officially opened applications for its 2026 entrepreneurship programme in Lagos on January 1, inviting ambitious young founders from across Africa to apply for funding, training and mentorship, whiles reaffirming its commitment to empowering Africa’s next generation of entrepreneurs through long-term investment.
Successful applicants to the programme will receive $5,000 in non-refundable seed capital, world-class business training, mentorship and access to Africa’s largest entrepreneurship network via TEFConnect.
Since its launch in 2015, the TEF entrepreneurship programme has funded more than 24,000 entrepreneurs, trained 2.5 million Africans, created over 1.5 million jobs, and generated more than $4.2 billion in revenue, demonstrating the transformative power of African entrepreneurship.
The programme has also made significant strides in inclusive growth, with women accounting for 46% of funded entrepreneurs, the highest female participation rate recorded by a programme of this scale on the continent.
Speaking on the launch of the 2026 programme, Tony Elumelu said Africa’s development depends on strategic investment in its people.
“Africa’s greatest asset is its people,” Elumelu said. “Africa does not need aid; Africa needs investment – in infrastructure, in institutions, but most critically in our young people.
He added: “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.”
Applications for the 2026 TEF entrepreneurship programme are open until March 1, 2026, and can be submitted online through www.TEFConnect.com.
The Tony Elumelu Foundation is Africa’s leading entrepreneurship philanthropy, dedicated to eradicating poverty, creating jobs and advancing inclusive economic growth across all 54 African countries. Its work is anchored in Africapitalism, the belief that Africa’s private sector is the most effective driver of sustainable development.
