TEF Opens Applications for 2026 Entrepreneurship Funding

TEF Opens Applications for 2026 Entrepreneurship Funding

  • Business
  • January 8, 2026
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The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has officially opened applications for a series of entrepreneurship programmes aimed at empowering young African innovators with funding, mentorship, and world-class business training.

The initiatives, which are open, competitive, and merit-based, target emerging entrepreneurs across Africa and are designed to transform ideas into viable and sustainable businesses while driving job creation and economic growth across the continent.

1. Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme (Pan-African)
Open to entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries and across all business sectors, the flagship TEF programme provides:
US$5,000 non-refundable seed capital
World-class business training
Access to experienced mentors
Lifetime access to TEFConnect entrepreneurship platform
Since its inception in 2015, the programme has funded more than 24,000 entrepreneurs, trained 2.5 million Africans, supported the creation of 1.5 million jobs, and helped generate over US$4.2 billion in business revenue.
Application deadline: March 25, 2026
Apply via: www.TEFConnect.com

2. Aguka Ideation Programme (Rwanda – Youth Focused)
In partnership with UNDP, the European Union, and Rwanda’s Ministry of Youth and Arts, this programme supports young Rwandans with promising business ideas through:
Entrepreneurship training
Expert mentorship
US$3,000 seed capital
Business development and pitching opportunities
It is designed specifically to help youth-led ideas grow into sustainable, scalable enterprises.
Application deadline: January 10, 2026
Apply via: www.TEFConnect.net

3. IYBA–WE4A Programme (Women-led Green Businesses)
This initiative supports women entrepreneurs running businesses in green and sustainable sectors such as:
Renewable energy
Sustainable agriculture
Circular economy
Eco-tourism and environmental innovation
Successful applicants receive:
US$5,000 seed capital
Tailored business and green-sector training
Mentorship and investment preparedness support
Lifetime access to TEFConnect
Application deadline: January 25, 2026
Apply via: www.TEFConnect.net

The Foundation encouraged African youths, women innovators, hubs, universities, and business communities to take advantage of these opportunities.
Each of these programmes, TEF stated, is focused on providing “real tools, real capital, and real networks” to help African entrepreneurs build businesses that create jobs, wealth, and long-term impact.

Young entrepreneurs and ambitious business minds in Delta State and across Nigeria are urged to share the opportunities within their networks or apply directly if eligible.
Kwale Post will continue to track developments and provide updates on youth empowerment and entrepreneurship opportunities across Africa.