Are you an African entrepreneur with a groundbreaking business idea or an early-stage startup? Do you dream of transforming your vision into reality but lack the funding, training, and mentorship to make it happen? The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme is here to turn your aspirations into achievements. With $5,000 in non-returnable seed capital, 12 weeks of intensive training, access to a world-class mentor, and membership in Africa’s largest entrepreneurial network, this is an opportunity you can’t afford to miss!
NOTE: Applications Open January 1st, 2025
What Is the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme?
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme is a groundbreaking, $100 million initiative designed to empower 10,000 African entrepreneurs over 10 years. Launched by the Tony Elumelu Foundation, this flagship programme is transforming the African entrepreneurial landscape by providing resources, mentorship, and funding to promising startups across the continent.
The programme is built around the philosophy of Africapitalism – the belief that Africa’s private sector, led by entrepreneurs, holds the key to unlocking the continent’s economic potential. By 2025, TEF aims to create at least 1 million jobs and contribute over $10 billion in revenue to the African economy.
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Why You Should Apply
As a participant, you will benefit from:
- Seed Capital: Receive a non-returnable grant of $5,000 to bring your business idea to life.
- World-Class Training: Complete 12 weeks of business management training tailored to the African context, focusing on practical and iterative learning.
- Mentorship: Gain access to an experienced mentor who will guide you through your entrepreneurial journey.
- Networking Opportunities: Join the TEFConnect Network, Africa’s largest digital platform for entrepreneurs, where you can connect with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and stakeholders.
- Further Funding Opportunities: Prove your concept and become eligible for additional funding from external investors and TEF’s ecosystem.
Success Stories: Real Impact Across Africa
Since its inception in 2015, the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme has empowered 15,847 African entrepreneurs, disbursing over $85 million in seed capital. These businesses have collectively created more than 400,000 jobs across Africa.
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Take Hauwa Liman, for instance. A participant from the inaugural 2015 cohort, Hauwa’s business, Afrik Abaya, has grown from a small startup in Kaduna, Nigeria, to a thriving enterprise with ten permanent employees and eight commission-based staff.
According to Hauwa, “This programme is not just about the seed capital; it’s about the knowledge and exposure. The TEF training gave me my first business plan and the confidence to expand. I’m now exporting to other countries, and it’s all thanks to the Tony Elumelu Foundation.”
Programme Structure: How It Works
The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme offers a holistic approach to business development:
- Training: A curriculum designed to address the specific challenges faced by African entrepreneurs. Topics include financial planning, business management, and market strategy.
- Mentorship: Personal guidance from a seasoned mentor to help refine your business idea and navigate challenges.
- Seed Funding: $5,000 to test and prove your concept.
- Networking: Access to TEF’s digital platform, TEFConnect, for resources, collaboration, and further funding opportunities.
Who Can Apply? Programme Eligibility
The programme is open to entrepreneurs across 54 African countries who meet the following criteria:
- Nationality: Must be a citizen or legal resident of an African country.
- Business Stage: Accepting business ideas or early-stage startups (0 to 5 years old).
- Age: Applicants must be at least 18 years old and not considered minors in their country of residence.
- Focus: You must apply with one business idea only.
Exclusions: Employees of TEF, Heirs Holdings Group, UBA Group, and their immediate families are not eligible to apply. Additionally, applications involving illegal or unethical businesses will be disqualified.
How to Apply
- Visit www.tefconnect.net.
- Complete the online application form, providing accurate and up-to-date information.
- Submit your application and receive a confirmation email.
Applications are available in English, French, Portuguese, and Arabic, ensuring accessibility for entrepreneurs across the continent. There are no fees for applying.
Application Tips for Success
- Be Authentic: Clearly articulate your business idea and its potential impact.
- Show Feasibility: Demonstrate that your idea is practical and can be scaled.
- Highlight Innovation: Explain how your business stands out from competitors.
- Leverage the Training: Commit to making the most of the 12-week training programme.
Transform Africa with Your Business
The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme is more than a funding opportunity; it’s a gateway to creating a lasting impact on Africa’s economy. By fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs, TEF is empowering the next generation of business leaders to drive the continent’s socio-economic transformation.
Take advantage of this incredible opportunity. Apply today at www.tefconnect.net and take the first step toward building your entrepreneurial legacy. Applications for the 2025 cohort close soon—don’t miss your chance to join Africa’s largest entrepreneurial movement!
About the Tony Elumelu Foundation
Founded by African business leader Tony Elumelu, TEF is a pioneer in empowering African entrepreneurs. Rooted in the philosophy of Africapitalism, TEF believes in the transformative power of private sector-led development. Since 2010, the Foundation has impacted over 1.5 million Africans through capacity-building, mentorship, and funding, ensuring that Africa’s economic potential is harnessed to benefit its people.
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