The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has opened applications for the 2026 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme and invites ambitious young founders from all the 54 African countries to apply now on TEFConnect.
Speaking on the 2026 launch of the programme, the founder of TEF and Heirs Holdings Group Chairman, Mr. Tony O. Elumelu, said: “Africa’s greatest asset is our people… Africa does not need aid; Africa needs investment, in infrastructure, in institutions, but most critically in our young.
“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.
“Through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, we show that when entrepreneurs are empowered, they create jobs, drive growth, and transform communities.”
According to him, the successful applicants will receive $5,000 in non-refundable seed capital, intensive business training, mentorship, and direct access to Africa’s largest entrepreneurship network.
The programme has since 2015, more than 24,000 entrepreneurs, trained 2.5 million Africans, created over 1.5 million jobs, and generated over US$4.2 billion in revenue, proving that African entrepreneurs can transform the continent.
It has also been driving inclusive growth, with women now making up 46% of TEF entrepreneurs – the highest female participation rate recorded by a programme of this scale.
“Applications for the 2026 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme are open from Jan 1 to March 1, 2026 on www.TEFConnect.com,” the Foundation said.
GIK/APA