Grace Ashiru
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) is spearheading a transformative initiative—a 10-year, US$100 million programme dedicated to identifying, training, mentoring, and funding 10,000 African entrepreneurs by 2025.
Participants who successfully join the programme will undergo 12 weeks of comprehensive online training, gain the support of a world-class mentor, and receive US$5,000 in seed capital to bring their business concepts to life, with opportunities for additional funding. Moreover, they will have the privilege of connecting with the extensive TEF network of startups.
The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme represents a US$100 million investment by the Elumelu family to uplift 10,000 African entrepreneurs over a decade, through targeted training, mentorship, and financial support. The initiative is designed to generate at least 1 million jobs and contribute more than US$10 billion to Africa’s economy.
Through this flagship Entrepreneurship Programme, the Foundation continues to empower African entrepreneurs and strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem across all 54 African countries.
How the Programme Works
The TEF training curriculum is specifically designed to segment entrepreneurs based on their demonstrated capabilities and level of knowledge.
This training is tailored to equip and empower participants with the skills needed to start or grow their businesses, addressing the unique challenges faced by entrepreneurs across the African continent. The curriculum emphasizes practical and iterative learning, ensuring its relevance and applicability even long after the training period ends.
Programme Eligibility
Who can apply?
The programme is open to all citizens and legal residents of any of the 54 African countries. The proposed business must be registered and operational within Africa.
•Is there an age restriction for applicants?
Yes. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and not considered minors in their respective countries of residence. There is no upper age limit for applicants.
•Is there a restriction on the age of my business?
Yes. All businesses must either be new ideas or early-stage companies within 0 to 5 years of existence.
•What if I run multiple early-stage businesses?
Your application must focus on a single business only. It is recommended that you choose your most feasible and innovative business idea. Selected entrepreneurs are not allowed to reapply for future cohorts of the programme, even with a different business idea or name.
•Will my start-up be excluded if I have a relative working for TEF?
Yes. Employees of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, as well as their family members, are not eligible to apply for the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme. This restriction extends to employees and their relatives from affiliate companies in the Heirs Holdings Group and UBA Group. Applications from such individuals, whether submitted individually or as part of a team, will not be considered.
Who is not eligible to participate in the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme?
- TEF Audit Partners and their Immediate Family Members.
- Employees of companies affiliated with the Tony Elumelu Foundation who have been involved in the creation or administration of the Programme and their Immediate Family Members.
- The Promoter’s consultants and agents (and employees and Immediate Family Members of such employees where the consultants and agents are entities) involved in the creation and administration of this programme.
- Research institutions, faith-based organisations, government agencies and businesses not located in Mali will not be eligible to apply for the programme.
- Applications by TEF Alumni or their Business Partner.
- Applications by persons disqualified under any previous TEF programme.
- Applications made using methods such as a macro, script, using automated devices or processors or other forms of digital tool to gain an unfair advantage.
- Incomplete and incorrect applications.
- Applications which contain illegal or unethical Businesses or Business Ideas.
Programme Application Process
- How can I apply for the programme? All applications must be completed and submitted online through the official application platform, tefconnect.net. Applicants are required to fill out an application form by responding to a series of mandatory questions.
- What happens after submission?
Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a confirmation email acknowledging receipt. - What if my business is a partnership?
In the case of a partnership, only one designated individual from the business or partnership can participate in the programme. This individual must obtain consent from all partners and must hold an equal or majority stake in the business. - Can I apply offline?
No, offline applications are not accepted. All applications must be submitted exclusively through tefconnect.net. - What if English is not my primary language?
The application form is also available in Arabic, French, and Portuguese, ensuring accessibility for non-English speakers. - What information or identification is required for the application?
- Applicants must complete all mandatory fields in the application form, providing accurate and up-to-date details.
- Are there any fees associated with the application?
No, the Tony Elumelu Foundation does not charge any fees for applying to the programme.
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