Applications are now open for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme 2021. The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) - Africa's leading philanthropy focused on empowering African entrepreneurs - is looking for the most innovative business ideas from across the African continent.

Deadline: 31 March 2021

The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme is open to entrepreneurs from all over Africa, whether with new start-up ideas or existing businesses less than 3 years old, operating in any sector. Successful applicants will join more than 9,000 current beneficiaries from 54 African countries and receive business coaching, mentoring, a non-refundable seed capital 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 are eligible to apply if you have a business idea or start-up less than 3 years old in any sector and in any country across Africa.

Benefits

You could be selected to join the current 9,631 beneficiaries in 54 African countries to receive:

• Corporate training
• Guidance
• $5.000 non-reimbursable seed capital
• 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 restriction.
• Candidates can be excellent African entrepreneurs running existing start-ups with high growth potential and aspiring entrepreneurs with transformative ideas;
• All businesses must be business ideas or an early-stage 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, faith-based organisations, value-added trading companies, government contractors and companies not located in Africa. Businesses must not adversely affect the environment, life and property. Business ideas must be for profit, and must be the original work of those making the submission.

Application

Applications are made through TEFConnect, the digital network hub for the African entrepreneurship ecosystem created by the Foundation.

Click here to apply

For more information, visit the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme.