The Tony Elumelu Foundation Opens Applications for 2025 Entrepreneurship Programmes
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), a leading advocate for entrepreneurship in Africa, is excited to announce that applications for its 2025 Entrepreneurship Programmes are officially open. This initiative invites aspiring and existing entrepreneurs from across the continent to seize the opportunity for comprehensive training, expert mentorship, and non-refundable seed capital to help scale their businesses.
Explore the Programmes Available for Application
1. Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme
The flagship TEF Entrepreneurship Programme welcomes all entrepreneurs in Africa with innovative business ideas or existing businesses that are not older than five years. This year, there is a particular emphasis on businesses utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) and green initiatives, promoting sustainable entrepreneurship. To qualify, applicants must be at least 18 years old.
2. IYBA-WE4A Entrepreneurship Programme
In partnership with the European Union (EU) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the IYBA-WE4A Entrepreneurship Programme focuses exclusively on women entrepreneurs. 
This initiative supports ventures with green business ideas or existing green businesses in countries including Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon, Kenya, Mozambique, Malawi, and Togo.
Applicants must be at least 18 years old, with businesses not exceeding five years of operation.
3. Aguka Ideation Programme
In collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, UNDP Rwanda, and the Rwandan Ministry of Youths and Arts, the Aguka Ideation Programme aims to empower young Rwandan entrepreneurs aged 18-30.
This programme offers seed capital of $3,000 to develop and nurture their innovative concepts into viable enterprises.
Application Details
- Platform: Applications must be submitted via TEF’s proprietary digital hub, TEFConnect.
- Application Period: From January 1, 2025, to March 1, 2025. Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their applications well in advance of the March deadline.
- Eligibility: Open to African entrepreneurs with scalable business ideas or existing businesses not older than five years. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Click here to Apply for the Tony Elumelu Foundation $5,000 Grant 2025
Learn More About the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s Impact
To gain a deeper understanding of the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s transformative work and the incredible success stories of African entrepreneurs, explore the following resources:
- Impact Report: Delve into the achievements and contributions of the Tony Elumelu Foundation toward Africa’s economic growth.
- Success Stories: Discover inspiring journeys taken by Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurs making a difference.
- Annual Reports: Gain insights into the strategies and outcomes of the Tony Elumelu Foundation.
About the Tony Elumelu Foundation
The Tony Elumelu Foundation stands as a leading philanthropic organization committed to fostering a new generation of African entrepreneurs, empowering them to drive poverty eradication and promote job creation across all 54 African countries while enhancing women’s economic empowerment.
Since its inception in 2010, the foundation has played a crucial role in the economic transformation of the continent. The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, launched in 2015, has provided more than 2.5 million young Africans access to training via TEFConnect. The foundation has disbursed over 100 million in direct funding to over 21,000 African entrepreneurs,creating over 800,000 jobs and generating more than 4.2 billion in revenue.
Its mission is anchored in the concept of Africapitalism, which envisions the private sector, particularly entrepreneurs, as key drivers of social and economic development in Africa.
- FAQs: Click here for detailed answers to frequently asked questions on the TEF website.
- For further assistance, please email [email protected].
- Apply for the Tony Elumelu Foundation $5,000 Grant here; https://www.tefconnect.com/
Read Also;
https://africansights.com/10-scholarship-opportunities-for-africans-in-2025/
