Tony Elumelu Foundation Opens Applications for 2025 Entrepreneurship Programmes

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has officially launched applications for its 2025 Entrepreneurship Programmes, an initiative aimed at empowering African entrepreneurs and driving economic growth across the continent.

Renowned as one of Africa’s leading philanthropic organizations, the Tony Elumelu Foundation is committed to eradicating poverty, creating jobs, and fostering innovation. This year’s programmes continue to focus on supporting entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries, with a strong emphasis on advancing women’s economic empowerment.

Who Can Apply?

Applications are open from January 1, 2025, to March 1, 2025, via the foundation’s digital platform, TEFConnect. Eligible applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a scalable business idea or a business not older than five years.
• Demonstrate a commitment to innovation and economic impact.

What’s on Offer?

Selected entrepreneurs will receive:

• World-class business training to refine their entrepreneurial skills.
• Mentorship from industry leaders and experts.
• Non-refundable seed funding to accelerate their ventures.

2025 Programmes Overview

1. TEF Entrepreneurship Programme
   This flagship initiative prioritizes businesses leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and green technologies, encouraging sustainable innovation across Africa.
2. IYBA-WE4A Entrepreneurship Programme
   • Focus: Women entrepreneurs in sustainable and green businesses.
   • Target Countries: Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon, Kenya, Mozambique, Malawi, and Togo.
   • Partners: European Union and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
   • Eligibility: Female entrepreneurs aged 18+ with businesses no older than five years.
3. Aguka Ideation Programme
   • Focus: Young Rwandan entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30.
   • Partners: UNDP Rwanda and the Rwandan Ministry of Youths and Arts.
   • Funding: $3,000 in seed capital for innovative ideas.

Proven Impact

Since its establishment in 2010, the Tony Elumelu Foundation has achieved remarkable milestones:

• Trained over 2.5 million African entrepreneurs through the TEFConnect platform.
• Disbursed over $100 million in direct funding to more than 21,000 entrepreneurs.
• Generated $4.2 billion in revenue through supported businesses.
• Created over 800,000 jobs across Africa.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can visit www.tefconnect.com for detailed information and application guidelines. Don’t miss this opportunity to join a network of changemakers transforming Africa’s economic landscape.