Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme 2026: Apply for Grants and Seed Funding

Applications are now open for the 2026 edition of the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, a flagship initiative dedicated to supporting and funding African entrepreneurs. Since celebrating a decade of impact in 2020, the Foundation has empowered thousands of innovators across Africa, providing the skills, mentorship, and capital required to grow sustainable businesses.

The programme is open to both aspiring and existing entrepreneurs from all African countries, across all sectors. Whether you are launching a new business idea or scaling a young enterprise, this initiative is designed to help transform ambition into measurable impact. Selected participants will benefit from intensive business management training, personalised mentorship, access to a pan-African network of professionals, and non-refundable seed funding of up to $5,000.

The programme seeks entrepreneurs with innovative ideas or early-stage ventures that demonstrate growth potential and the ability to contribute to Africa’s economic development. The curriculum focuses on hands-on, practical skills, providing participants with the knowledge and tools needed to start, manage, and scale businesses effectively within the African context.

Successful applicants will undergo a rigorous assessment process and be enrolled in the Foundation’s Business Management Training. Candidates not selected at this stage will still have access to general business training through TEFConnect and may reapply for future editions. Verification and onboarding processes will include the submission of documents to confirm identity and business legitimacy, and failure to meet these requirements will disqualify applicants from the programme.

All training activities and assessments must be completed personally by the participants. Delegation is not allowed, although participants can share insights internally to strengthen their businesses. Progress will be closely monitored, and training will be delivered in English, French, Portuguese, and Arabic. Only high-performing participants at the training stage will advance to the business plan development phase.

Eligible participants will receive a business plan template and are required to submit a comprehensive plan within the stipulated timeframe. Submitted plans are evaluated on feasibility, sustainability, and overall business potential. Top candidates will then participate in a pitching phase, presenting their ideas to a panel of judges or via recorded presentations.

Entrepreneurs who excel in the pitching phase will be awarded seed capital, directly transferred to their registered business bank accounts. While the funding can be up to $5,000, applicable banking charges may apply. Participants supported through partner organisations will receive additional assistance according to partner-specific agreements.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme represents a unique opportunity for African entrepreneurs to learn, grow, and scale businesses with world-class support. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply promptly to take the first step toward building enterprises that transform communities and drive economic development across the continent.

Additional Information:

• Host Institution: Tony Elumelu Foundation
• Program Type: Fully Funded
• Benefits: Access to business management training, mentorship, pan-African network, and up to $5,000 non-refundable seed capital
• Eligible Countries: All African countries
• Application Procedure: Apply via the official portal here