Applications Open January 1st, 2025

Are you an aspiring entrepreneur looking for a chance to take your business idea to the next level? The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) is inviting entrepreneurs across Africa to apply for its 2025 Entrepreneurship Program, offering $5000 in seed capital, world-class training, and mentorship to help grow your business.


The Tony Elumelu Foundation is committed to empowering 10,000 African entrepreneurs by 2025 with the goal of creating 1 million jobs and generating over $10 billion in revenue for the African economy. Through its $100 million commitment, the Foundation has been supporting African entrepreneurs since 2015.


What You Get:


  • $5,000 Seed Capital: Financial support to help bring your business idea to life.
  • 12-Week Intensive Training: A carefully crafted curriculum that covers business management skills such as marketing, financial planning, leadership, and more.
  • World-Class Mentorship: Personalized guidance from experienced business leaders who understand the unique challenges of growing a business in Africa.
  • Access to the TEF Network: Join Africa’s largest entrepreneurial ecosystem and connect with other innovative entrepreneurs across the continent.

How the Program Works:


  • Training: The training curriculum is designed to meet the needs of early-stage entrepreneurs. Over 12 weeks, you’ll learn the skills necessary to overcome common entrepreneurial challenges.
  • Mentorship: Entrepreneurs will be paired with mentors who provide advice, help solve business challenges, and connect you with potential business opportunities.
  • Seed Capital & Further Funding: Selected entrepreneurs will receive $5000 in seed capital to help prove their business concepts. They’ll also gain access to further funding opportunities from TEF and partner organizations.

    • Eligibility Criteria:


    • Age: Applicants must be 18 years or older.
    • Nationality: Open to citizens and legal residents of all 54 African countries.
    • Business Age: Eligible businesses must be early-stage, within 0 to 5 years old.
    • Single Business Focus: Applicants can apply for one business idea only.
    • Partnerships: Only one nominated person per partnership can apply.
    • Ineligible Candidates: Employees or their family members of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Heirs Holdings Group, or UBA Group cannot apply.

    How to Apply:


    • Submit Your Application: All applications must be submitted online via the TEFConnect platform at TEFConnect. Simply complete the application form and submit.
    • Application Confirmation: After submission, you’ll receive a confirmation email.
    • Deadline: Applications are open from January 1st, 2025.

    Important Notes:


    • The application form is also available in Arabic, French, and Portuguese.
    • Business ideas or startups from any sector are eligible, and the program is open to both male and female entrepreneurs.


    Since its inception, the Tony Elumelu Foundation has empowered over 15,847 African entrepreneurs, helped them create over 400,000 jobs, and provided essential support to drive economic recovery and growth across the continent. The Foundation has also actively supported female entrepreneurs, with a record 68% of women being selected in the 2021 cohort.

    Don’t Miss This Opportunity!

    This is an incredible opportunity for any early-stage entrepreneur across Africa to receive critical funding and mentorship. With a world-class support system and the resources to help grow your business, the 2025 Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Program could be the key to your business success.


    For more information and to apply, visit TEFConnect.