Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme
Open continuously
No deadline — apply whenever you are ready.
Non-returnable seed capital of USD 5,000 per selected entrepreneur, plus business management training and mentoring. Over 27,000 entrepreneurs funded, totalling up to USD 135 million paid directly as seed capital.
Tony Elumelu Foundation
private · supranational
Deadline: annual_call — Runs an annual application cycle, historically opening on 1 January and closing in March, with selection announced later in the year.
This funder does not publish a success rate. We rank it using the rate observed across similar programmes and label it as an estimate rather than implying we know.
Moderate — a form and supporting documents.
Who can apply
- Under 3 years old
- Stage: idea, pre_seed
- Locally registered entity required
Open to entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries with businesses under three years old. The Foundation selects entrepreneurs with the most innovative, high-potential business ideas.
How to apply
- Register on the TEFConnect platform
- Complete the annual application form during the open window
- Selected entrepreneurs complete the business management training
- Seed capital is disbursed to those who complete the programme requirements
Source. https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/ — checked 2026-08-14
"funded more than 27,000 young Africans with non-returnable seed capital of $5,000 each"