Applications are now open for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP) 2026, offering young African entrepreneurs access to business training, mentorship and seed capital of up to $5,000 to support new and early-stage businesses.
The programme is open to entrepreneurs across all African countries and covers every sector, welcoming applicants with viable business ideas as well as those already running young enterprises with growth potential.
Programme Focus and Scope
The Tony Elumelu Foundation says the 2026 edition builds on its long-standing commitment to entrepreneurship as a tool for economic development and job creation across Africa. Since its launch, the programme has supported thousands of entrepreneurs with funding, skills and access to networks.
According to the Foundation, selected participants will receive structured business training, mentorship from experienced professionals, non-refundable seed capital of up to $5,000, and access to a continent-wide entrepreneurial network.
Who Can Apply
The programme is open to Africans who are based on the continent and meet the following conditions:
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Have a business idea or an existing business still in its early stages
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Operate in any sector, provided the idea shows clear potential
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Are willing to fully participate in training and programme activities
Both start-ups and operating businesses are considered, as long as they demonstrate viability and the ability to grow.
Training and Programme Structure
Successful applicants will be enrolled in the TEF Business Management Training Programme, which is designed to address common challenges faced by African entrepreneurs. The training focuses on practical business skills rather than theory, helping participants understand how to start, manage and scale sustainable enterprises.
The programme is delivered online and available in English, French, Portuguese and Arabic, ensuring accessibility for entrepreneurs across the continent.
Applicants who are not selected at the initial stage are given access to the Foundation’s general business training on TEFConnect and may apply again in future cycles.
Verification and Participation Rules
After selection, applicants move into a verification and onboarding phase. At this stage, participants are required to submit documents to confirm their identity and business status.
The Foundation states that entrepreneurs who fail to meet verification requirements will be removed from the programme and notified by email. Participation in the programme is strictly personal, meaning applicants cannot delegate training or assessments to partners or representatives.
Business Plan and Pitching Stage
Following the training phase, participants are assessed and top-performing individuals progress to the business plan stage. At this point, entrepreneurs receive a standard business plan template, which must be completed and submitted before the deadline.
Business plans are reviewed based on feasibility, sustainability and growth potential. Entrepreneurs who meet the required standards advance to the pitching stage, where they present their ideas to evaluators or submit pitch videos, depending on programme requirements.
Only the strongest pitches qualify for seed capital support.
Seed Capital Disbursement
Entrepreneurs selected for funding receive seed capital through electronic transfer into their business bank accounts. The Foundation notes that bank charges may apply, which means the final amount received may be slightly less than $5,000.
Participants funded through partner organisations will receive funding based on the specific terms set by those partners.
Application Deadline and Where to Apply
The deadline for applications to the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme 2026 is March 1, 2026.
Interested applicants are advised to submit their applications through the official TEFConnect platform, which also provides detailed information about programme requirements and timelines. Read Our Guide on How to Apply for Tony Elumelu Foundation 2026 Programme With $5,000 Grant
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