Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has officially opened applications for its 2025 Entrepreneurship Programmes. The initiative offers aspiring and existing entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to access world-class training, expert mentorship, and non-refundable seed capital to scale their businesses, fostering innovation and job creation across Africa.
The 2025 Entrepreneurship Programmes are tailored to support a diverse range of business ideas and sectors. This year, there are three key programmes open for applications.
The first is Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme open to all entrepreneurs across Africa and targets those with innovative business ideas or existing businesses that are less than five years old. This year, the focus is on businesses that are leveraging the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or championing green initiatives, highlighting TEF’s commitment to sustainability and technology-driven innovation. Entrepreneurs must be at least 18 years old to apply.
Another is the IYBA-WE4A Entrepreneurship Programme done in partnership with the European Union (EU) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), this programme is dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs. It seeks out women with green business ideas or established green businesses in countries such as Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon, Kenya, Mozambique, Malawi, and Togo. Applicants must be 18 years old or older, with businesses no older than five years.
The third is the Aguka Ideation Programme conducted in collaboration with the UNDP Rwanda and the Rwandan Ministry of Youth and Arts, the Aguka Ideation Programme supports young Rwandan entrepreneurs aged 18-30. The programme offers a seed capital of $3,000 to help young innovators turn their ideas into viable businesses, nurturing Rwanda’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Applications are being accepted via TEF’s digital platform, TEFConnect, which provides a seamless, user-friendly experience for entrepreneurs. The application period runs from January 1, 2025, to March 1, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications early to ensure a smooth process and avoid last-minute delays.
Eligibility for all programmes is open to African entrepreneurs with scalable business ideas or existing businesses that are no older than five years. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
