This archive report was first published on 13 December 2019.
On January 1, 2020, the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) launched its application process for the 2020 cohort of the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, a 10-year, $100 million initiative to empower 10,000 young African entrepreneurs.
Open to entrepreneurs from across Africa, either with new startup ideas or existing businesses of less than 3 years existence, the programme is designed to support businesses operating in any sector.
Applicants can submit their applications through TEFConnect, the foundation's digital networking hub for the African entrepreneurship ecosystem.
Selected entrepreneurs will receive business training, mentoring, a non-refundable $5,000 of seed capital, and global networking opportunities.
Launched in 2015, the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme has already supported over 9,000 entrepreneurs, with a significant proportion being women.
With a focus on creating millions of jobs and driving the sustainable development of the continent, the programme embodies the philosophy of Africapitalism, which positions the private sector as the growth engine for Africa.
