The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Africa’s foremost advocate for entrepreneurship and economic empowerment, has officially opened applications for its 2025 entrepreneurship programmes. Aspiring and established entrepreneurs across Africa are invited to take advantage of this transformative opportunity to receive world-class training, mentorship, and non-refundable seed capital to grow their businesses.
This announcement was made on Monday via the foundation’s website.
Programmes Designed to Empower African Entrepreneurs
The 2025 programmes feature a diverse array of initiatives tailored to foster innovation, economic development, and sustainability. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply for the following:
- The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme:
This flagship initiative is open to entrepreneurs from all sectors across Africa who either have innovative business ideas or are managing existing ventures less than five years old.- Special focus for 2025: Businesses leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI) or implementing green initiatives.
- Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- Investing in Young Businesses in Africa – Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (IYBA-WE4A):
This programme, in collaboration with the European Union and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), is dedicated to women entrepreneurs with green business ideas or existing sustainable businesses in:- Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon, Kenya, Mozambique, Malawi, and Togo.
- The Aguka Ideation Programme:
In partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Rwanda and the Rwandan Ministry of Youth and Arts, this initiative supports young Rwandan entrepreneurs aged 18–30 with innovative business ideas.- Seed Capital: Successful participants will receive $3,000 in funding to kickstart their ventures.
Application Process and Deadlines
All applications are to be submitted via the foundation’s proprietary digital hub, TEFConnect, a platform designed to facilitate seamless interaction and access to TEF resources.
- Opening Date: January 1, 2025.
- Closing Date: March 1, 2025.
Empowering Africa’s Future through Innovation
The foundation emphasized the significance of these programmes in driving innovation, fostering sustainable growth, and addressing unemployment across the continent.
Through partnerships with global institutions and governments, the Tony Elumelu Foundation continues to champion initiatives that empower entrepreneurs, create jobs, and contribute to Africa’s economic transformation.
This year’s emphasis on AI and green initiatives aligns with global trends, underscoring TEF’s commitment to nurturing forward-thinking enterprises that can thrive in a rapidly evolving global economy.
For more information and to submit applications, entrepreneurs are encouraged to visit TEFConnect.
