The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme is open to entrepreneurs from all over Africa, either with new start-up ideas or with existing companies less than 3 years old, operating in any sector. Successful applicants will join more than 9,000 current beneficiaries from 54 African countries and will receive business training, mentoring, a non-refundable start-up capital of 5,000 dollars and global networking opportunities.

The Programme is a 10-year, $100 million commitment to identify, train, mentor and finance 10,000 young African entrepreneurs. The aim is to create millions of jobs and the revenue needed for the sustainable development of the continent, implementing the philosophy of Africapitalism, which positions the private sector as the engine of growth for Africa and emphasises the importance of creating social and economic wealth.

You can apply if you have a business idea or a start-up less than 3 years old in any sector and in any country across Africa.

Benefits
The selected entrepreneurs will receive:

• World-class business management training
• Mentoring
• $5.000 non-refundable seed capital
• Access to the main networks and markets
• Global networking opportunities

ELIGIBILITY

• Open to all citizens and legal residents of any of the 54 African countries. The proposed business must be registered and operating in Africa.
• Applicants must be 18 years old and must not be considered minors in their country of residence. There is no upper age limit.
• Candidates can be excellent African entrepreneurs running existing start-ups with high growth potential and aspiring entrepreneurs with transformative ideas.
• All companies must be business ideas companies or a start-up company in the 0 to 3 year-old range.
• Your application should focus on just ONE business.
• They are particularly looking to increase the representation of French, Arabic and Portuguese speakers, as well as women entrepreneurs.
• The programme is not open to research institutions, religious organisations, value-added commercial companies, government contractors and companies not located in Africa. Businesses must not adversely affect the environment, life and property. Commercial ideas must be for profit and must be the original work of those submitting them.

How to apply

Applications are made through TEFConnect, the digital networking centre for the African business ecosystem set up by the Foundation.

Click here to apply.