Funding for entrepreneurs in Africa through the TEF Entrepreneurship Program!

Do You Have an Innovative Idea or a Startup and Want to Grow It?

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) offers you the opportunity to turn your dream into reality through the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme 2025. This program provides training, mentorship, and seed funding to help you develop your business and succeed in the world of entrepreneurship.

Since its launch in 2015, the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme has empowered over 1.5 million young Africans through its digital hub, TEFConnect. The Foundation has also disbursed $100 million in direct funding to support 20,000 African entrepreneurs, leading to the creation of 400,000 jobs and contributing $2.5 billion in revenue to the African economy.

The program spans all 54 African countries, offering comprehensive support to ambitious entrepreneurs whose businesses are between 0 to 5 years old. Special priority is given to businesses that leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) or focus on environmental sustainability, fostering innovation and sustainable growth across the continent.

Benefits:

What will you gain from the program?

• Seed funding to support your startup in its early stages.
• Comprehensive training in business management and entrepreneurship skills.
• One-on-one mentorship from global industry experts.
• Access to TEFConnect, an exclusive network of top African entrepreneurs.

Eligibility Criteria

Who can apply?

• African entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries.
• Startups that are less than 5 years old.
• Businesses that leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) or focus on environmental sustainability will be given priority.

Program Stages

• Application Phase (Until March 1, 2025) – Complete the form and submit the required documents.
• Training Phase – A comprehensive business management training with performance assessments.
• Business Plan Development – Prepare a business plan, financial statements, and a pitch video.
• Seed Funding Disbursement – Submit official documentation and receive funding to support your business.

Required Documents

• Valid government-issued ID (National ID, Passport, or Driver’s License).
• Business registration certificate and proof of company registration.
• Tax registration proof and a bank reference letter.
• Pitch video explaining your idea or existing business.

Why Apply Now?

• Access free funding and business support for your startup.
• Learn essential skills needed for entrepreneurial success.
• Connect with a powerful network of experts and investors.
• Accelerate your business growth and ensure long-term sustainability.

About the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF)

The Tony Elumelu Foundation is the leading philanthropy empowering a new generation of African entrepreneurs, committed to eradicating poverty, creating jobs across all 54 African nations, and fostering inclusive economic empowerment. Since launching the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme in 2015, the Foundation has trained over 1.5 million young Africans through TEFConnect and disbursed nearly $100 million in direct funding to over 20,000 entrepreneurs, collectively creating more than 400,000 jobs.

With its strong ability to reach entrepreneurs across different regions and sectors, the Foundation has established strategic partnerships with leading global organizations, including the European Union (EU), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), US Government via the United States African Development Foundation (USADF), Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), French Development Agency (AFD), German Development Finance Institution (DEG), German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), African Development Bank (AfDB), and Google. These collaborations have resulted in customized programs focusing on women’s empowerment and fostering economic growth in fragile states.

FAQs:

• Who can apply for the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme 2025?
  Entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries can apply, provided their startups are less than 5 years old. Businesses that utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) or focus on environmental sustainability are given priority.

• What benefits does the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme offer?
  The program offers seed funding, intensive business training, one-on-one mentorship from experts, and the opportunity to join the TEFConnect network.

• What are the stages of the application process?
  The first stage is the application submission (until March 1, 2025), followed by intensive training, business plan development, and, finally, the disbursement of seed funding to accepted startups.

• Do I need to have an existing business to apply?
  Yes, you need to have an active startup or a business idea that is less than 5 years old.

• What documents are required for the application?
  Required documents include a valid government ID, business registration certificate, tax registration proof, a bank reference letter, and a pitch video explaining your idea or current project.