The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has officially opened the 2026 applications for its suite of flagship entrepreneurship programmes designed to empower African founders, boost startup funding, and expand business support ecosystems across the continent.
These opportunities offer non-refundable seed capital, structured business training, expert mentorship, and access to TEF’s expansive pan-African network via TEFConnect, making them among the most impactful entrepreneurship initiatives for startups and young businesses in Africa.
Whether you are building a startup, supporting ecosystem players, or part of a community of innovators, share this with aspiring founders and business networks across Africa.
1. TEF Entrepreneurship Programme 2026 (Pan-African)
The 2026 Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme is the foundation’s flagship pan-African initiative open to entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries and all industry sectors.
Key Benefits
US$5,000 non-refundable seed capital
Comprehensive business training
Dedicated mentorship
Lifetime access to TEFConnect
Entry into Africa’s largest entrepreneurship ecosystem
This programme is built to help both early-stage start-ups and aspiring business owners turn ideas into sustainable enterprises. Grants are merit-based and evaluated through TEF’s rigorous selection process.
Deadline: March 1, 2026
Apply via: TEFConnect
2. Aguka Ideation Programme (Youth-Focused, Rwanda)
In partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the European Union, and the Rwandan Ministry of Youth and Arts, the Aguka Ideation Programme is tailored for young Rwandan entrepreneurs.
This initiative provides targeted support to help youth-led ideas grow into scalable ventures.
Programme Highlights
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Entrepreneurship training
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Mentorship from industry professionals
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US$3,000 seed capital
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Business development support and pitching opportunities
Deadline: January 10, 2026
Apply via: TEF Connect
3. IYBA-WE4A Programme (Women-Led Green Businesses)
The Investing in Young Businesses in Africa – Women for Africa (IYBA-WE4A) initiative targets women entrepreneurs building sustainable and green businesses across selected African countries.
This programme supports sectors including:
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Sustainable agriculture
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Renewable energy
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Circular economy
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Eco-tourism and other environmentally focused sectors
Support Includes
US$5,000 seed funding
Business and green enterprise training
Mentorship and investment-readiness support
Access to TEFConnect
Deadline: January 25, 2026
Apply via: TEF Connect
Who Should Apply or Share This Opportunity?
Early-stage African entrepreneurs and founders
University students with business ideas
Startup communities, incubators, and innovation hubs
Women-led business networks
Youth empowerment organisations
Apply now or share these opportunities widely within your networks, the next wave of Africa’s successful founders could be just one application away.
