UpcomingGrantAfrica-wide

TEF Entrepreneurship Programme

The Tony Elumelu Foundation

Amount or benefit
USD 5,000 non-refundable seed capital (plus training and mentorship)
Deadline
Not announced
Where
Africa-wide (Nigeria eligible)
Apply on the official site

Who can apply

Africans aged 18+ who live in Africa and have a business idea or a business no older than 5 years, planning to establish it in Africa. Applicants must not have benefitted from a previous TEF programme.

Applicant type
IndividualBusiness
Business stage
IdeaEarly-stage
Location rule
Africa-wide (Nigeria eligible)
Africa-wide
Sectors
Business & entrepreneurshipAny field

What you get

USD 5,000 non-refundable seed capital (plus training and mentorship)

Notes
Expected window follows the funder's stated annual cycle, not a confirmed 2027 date. Confirm on TEFConnect when the portal opens.

Deadline and status

Deadline
Not announced
Deadline details
The funder states the portal opens every year on 1 January and closes at midnight on 1 March (TEFConnect). The 2027 dates are not yet confirmed on the page.
Status
Upcoming

How to apply

  1. Read the full criteriaOpen the funder's programme page (tonyelumelufoundation.org) and read the eligibility rules and questions in full.
  2. Check your fitCompare the rules above with your business. See how it fits your profile.
  3. Prepare your applicationSave it for a step-by-step workflow and document checklist, then draft your answers in the Application Studio.
  4. Apply on the funder's own siteThe deadline is not announced yet. Check the official page for the next round. Apply at tefconnect.com. Never pay anyone to be considered.

Source and verification

Last verified
18 October 2026, on the funder's own page
Official page
tonyelumelufoundation.org
Application page
tefconnect.com
From the official page
“Every year, the application portal for our flagship TEF Entrepreneurship Programme opens on the 1st of January till midnight on the 1st of March”

Details change. Confirm everything on the official site before applying.

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