Seed Capital of up to $5,000 for Young African Entrepreneurs
Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
Applications are now open for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP) 2026, a leading entrepreneurship initiative designed to empower young African entrepreneurs with the tools, funding, and networks needed to build successful and sustainable businesses.
The Tony Elumelu Foundation has supported thousands of entrepreneurs across Africa by providing world-class business training, mentorship, seed funding, and access to a global entrepreneurial network. The programme is open to both new start-ups and existing young businesses operating in any sector.
About the Programme
The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme is a flagship initiative of the Tony Elumelu Foundation aimed at identifying and supporting outstanding African entrepreneurs with innovative business ideas or early-stage businesses that have the potential to grow and create impact.
Successful applicants will receive:
- Business training
- Expert mentorship
- Non-refundable seed capital of up to $5,000
- Access to global networking opportunities
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be African citizens or operate a business in Africa
- Have a business idea or an existing business with growth potential
- Operate in any sector
Eligible Regions: All African countries
Programme Benefits
- Practical business training designed to help entrepreneurs start or scale their businesses
- Iterative and hands-on learning that remains useful beyond the programme
- Training delivered in English, French, Portuguese, and Arabic
- Access to mentorship, funding, and a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem
Programme Structure & Stages
1. Application Process
- Applicants must complete the online application form and meet the minimum score requirements.
- Successful applicants are admitted into the programme.
- Unsuccessful applicants may access TEF General Business Training on TEFConnect and reapply in the future.
2. Verification & Onboarding
- Applicants undergo verification to confirm identity and business status.
- Failure to meet verification requirements leads to disqualification.
- Participants must personally complete all programme activities (no substitutes).
3. Business Management Training
- Successful applicants gain access to the TEF Business Management Training Programme™
- Progress is monitored and assessed throughout the training period.
4. Business Plan Preparation
- Participants develop and submit a business plan using a provided template.
- Business plans are assessed based on feasibility and sustainability.
- Top-scoring participants advance to the next stage.
5. Pitching Competition
- Shortlisted participants pitch their business ideas to a panel of judges or submit pitch videos.
- Top performers are selected to receive seed funding.
6. Seed Capital Disbursement
- Selected entrepreneurs receive up to $5,000 via electronic transfer to their business bank accounts.
- Banking and transaction charges may apply.
- Partner-funded entrepreneurs may receive funding based on partner commitments.
Why Apply?
- Receive startup capital without repayment
- Gain skills to build a sustainable business
- Join a powerful network of African entrepreneurs
- Increase your chances of long-term business success
