Applications for the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Grant 2026 for African entrepreneurs are now open.
The Tony Elumelu Foundation seeks to empower young African women and men by providing $5,000 in non-refundable seed capital to support innovative and scalable business ideas across the continent.
This post provides full details on the program, including eligibility requirements, benefits, and a step-by-step guide on how to apply for interested candidates.
Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Grant 2026 Summary
- Host Country: Nigeria
- Host: Tony Elumelu Foundation
- Category: Competitions | Training
- Eligible Countries: African countries
- Reward: $5,000, training, and mentorship
- Deadline: 1 March 2026
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Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Grant 2026 Details
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Grant 2026 is a flagship entrepreneurship funding and empowerment program designed to support African business owners and start-ups with the capital, training, mentorship, and networks they need to scale their ventures. Founded by Tony O. Elumelu, CON, the program aims to unlock the economic potential of African entrepreneurs to drive job creation, reduce poverty, innovation, and sustainable development across the continent.
The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme 2026 supports early-stage and existing African businesses across all sectors. It combines skill-building, strategic mentorship, peer networking, and funding support. The program includes:
- Intensive online business training delivered through the TEFConnect digital platform
- One-on-one mentorship and coaching from industry and business experts
- Networking opportunities with entrepreneurs and investors across Africa and globally
- Participation in the TEF Entrepreneurship Forum, one of Africa’s largest entrepreneurship events
- Non-refundable seed capital to start or grow your business
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Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Grant 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be a citizen or legal resident of an African country
- Own or lead a for-profit business that is registered and operational in Africa
- The business must be no more than 5 years old
- Be 18 years or older at the time of application
- Have a scalable business idea or operational business with clear growth potential
- Demonstrate entrepreneurial vision, commitment, and leadership
- Be willing to participate fully in the training, mentorship, and networking activities of the program
Both entrepreneurs with just an idea and those with early-stage businesses are encouraged to apply.
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Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Grant 2026 Benefits
Selected entrepreneurs will receive:
- USD $5,000 non-refundable seed capital
- Access to online business management training via TEFConnect
- Structured mentorship and coaching from business leaders and experts
- Entry onto the TEFConnect platform — a global network for entrepreneurs
- Invitations to the TEF Entrepreneurship Forum
- Enhanced visibility and credibility for your business
- Unlimited access to the TEF alumni network
There is no application fee.
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Required Documents for the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Grant 2026
Applicants will typically be asked to submit:
- Completed online application form
- Personal profile and business details
- A clear description of the business idea or existing operations
- Short answers on business strategy, impact, and goals
- Identification or proof of nationality/legal residence
All submissions must be made online through the official TEF application portal.
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How to Apply for the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Grant 2026
To apply for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Grant 2026:
- Visit the official TEF website below
- Register on the TEFConnect platform
- Complete your online application with accurate business details
- Respond fully to all essay and question prompts
- Submit before the deadline
Applicants should ensure business ideas are clearly articulated and demonstrate potential for scale, innovation, and impact.
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Deadline
March 1, 2026
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