Despite Africa’s growing innovation ecosystem, access to early-stage capital remains a major challenge. In 2024, African startups attracted only a small fraction of global venture funding, leaving many high-potential tech founders without the resources needed to scale impactful digital solutions. Even more concerning, only a small percentage of seed-stage startups on the continent progress to Series A, highlighting the urgent need for strong early support systems.
To help close this gap, the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme 2026 is offering $5,000 in non-dilutive seed funding, alongside structured training and mentorship, to African entrepreneurs building scalable technology-driven businesses.
Since its launch in 2015, the Tony Elumelu Foundation has committed over $100 million to support more than 20,000 entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries, driving job creation and sustainable economic growth. The programme is designed to provide the crucial “first capital” that transforms ideas into investable ventures—especially for innovators working at the earliest stages.
What Selected Entrepreneurs Receive
Successful applicants will benefit from a comprehensive support package that includes:
- $5,000 in direct, non-refundable seed capital
- Practical business training delivered through the TEFConnect digital platform
- One-on-one mentorship from experienced industry experts
- Access to a pan-African and global network of investors, partners, and markets
Focus Areas
The programme welcomes startups developing ICT-for-development solutions in high-impact sectors such as:
- Fintech
- Digital health
- Agri-tech
- Climate and green technology
- Education technology
- Connectivity and digital infrastructure
Eligibility
Applicants must be 18 years or older, be citizens or legal residents of an African country, and operate an early-stage business (0–5 years old) that is registered and primarily active in Africa. TEF strongly encourages #applications from women-led startups and founders from Francophone, Lusophone, and Arabic-speaking regions.
Application Deadline: March 1, 2026
This is a unique opportunity for African tech founders seeking early capital, mentorship, and global exposure to build solutions that address the continent’s most pressing challenges.
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