Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme 2027

Overview

The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme is the largest annual pan-African seed funding programme. It selects 1,000 African entrepreneurs each year and gives each USD 5,000 in non-returnable seed capital, plus a 12-week training programme, mentorship, and access to the Foundation’s alumni network of over 21,000 founders across 54 African countries. Applications for the 2027 cohort open in late 2026 and close 31 March 2027.

Benefits

• USD 5,000 non-equity, non-returnable seed capital for the business.
• 12-week structured business management training (TEFConnect platform).
• Personal mentor paired for the duration of the programme.
• Networking at the annual Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Forum in Lagos.
• Continued alumni access for further funding rounds and partner introductions.

Eligibility

• African citizen or African-born resident.
• Aged 18 or older at the time of application.
• Business idea, early-stage venture, or operating company headquartered in an African country.
• Business operating in any sector. The Foundation explicitly supports agriculture, tech, fashion, manufacturing, professional services, and more.
• Open to single founders and teams. For teams, only the lead founder applies.
• Each applicant can submit only one application per cycle.

How to apply

1. Open the TEF application portal at the source link when the 2027 cycle opens (announced on social media in January 2027).
2. Register with your email and country of residence.
3. Complete the application: business idea or current status, problem solved, target market, traction, growth plan, and a short pitch video.
4. Submit before 31 March 2027.
5. Selection is announced on 22 March each year (Africa Day-aligned date may shift). Successful entrepreneurs begin the 12-week programme immediately after announcement.