The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has announced the opening of applications for its 2026 entrepreneurship programmes, offering funding, training, mentorship, and access to Africa’s largest entrepreneurial ecosystem for young founders across the continent.
The programmes are open, competitive, and fully merit-based, targeting ambitious Africans who are building businesses or have scalable business ideas capable of creating jobs and driving sustainable economic growth.
They are:
- Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme (Pan-African)
- Aguka Ideation Programme (Rwanda – Youth-Focused)
- IYBA-WE4A Programme (Women-Led Green Businesses)
The flagship Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme is open to entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries, across every sector.
Successful applicants will receive:
- US$5,000 non-refundable seed capital
- World-class business training
- Dedicated mentorship
- Lifetime access to TEFConnect
- Entry into Africa’s largest entrepreneurship ecosystem
Since its launch in 2015, the programme has funded over 24,000 entrepreneurs, trained 2.5 million Africans, helped create 1.5 million jobs, and generated US$4.2 billion in revenue across the continent.
Application deadline: March 25, 2026
Aguka Ideation Programme (Rwanda – Youth-Focused)
The Aguka Ideation Programme is a youth-focused initiative in Rwanda, delivered in partnership with UNDP, the European Union, and the Rwandan Ministry of Youth and Arts.
The programme supports young Rwandans with:
- Entrepreneurship training
- Expert mentorship
- US$3,000 seed capital
- Business development support and pitching opportunities
The initiative is designed to help youth-led ideas evolve into sustainable and scalable enterprises.
Application deadline: January 10, 2026
IYBA-WE4A Programme (Women-Led Green Businesses)
The IYBA-WE4A Programme is a multi-partner initiative supporting women entrepreneurs building businesses in green and sustainable sectors across selected African countries.
Selected entrepreneurs will receive:
- US$5,000 seed capital
- Tailored business and green-enterprise training
- Mentorship and investment-readiness support
- Lifetime access to TEFConnect
The programme focuses on sectors such as sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, circular economy, eco-tourism, and other environmentally focused industries.
Application deadline: January 25, 2026
Each programme is designed to provide African entrepreneurs with practical tools, catalytic capital, and long-term networks to build businesses that generate jobs and deliver lasting impact.
The Tony Elumelu Foundation encourages stakeholders to share this opportunity widely with aspiring entrepreneurs, universities, incubators, innovation hubs, youth networks, and women-led business communities across Africa.
To apply for each of the opportunities, visit here.
