On January 1, 2025, the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Africa’s leading champion of entrepreneurship, announced that applications for its 2025 Entrepreneurship Programmes are now open. Aspiring and existing entrepreneurs from across Africa are invited to apply for a chance to receive world-class training, expert mentoring, and non-refundable seed capital funding to scale their businesses.
In Africa, the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Grant has emerged as a ray of hope for would-be business owners. Since its founding, the foundation has helped thousands of small enterprises in Africa, promoting innovation and economic growth to empower African entrepreneurs. The TEF Grant, which will provide capital, education, and mentorship to the upcoming generation of African business leaders, is expected to have an even more revolutionary impact by 2025.
Programs TEF is offering
1. IYBA-WE4A Entrepreneurship Programme
This programme is for young enterprises in Africa. particularly for women entrepreneurs in Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon, Kenya, Mozambique, Malawi, and Togo who have green company ideas or already have green enterprises. Candidates must be at least eighteen and have operated their enterprises for no more than five years
2. Aguka Ideation Programme
The Aguka Ideation Entrepreneurship Programme, in collaboration with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, UNDP Rwanda, and the Rwandan Ministry of Youth and Arts, is designed to empower young Rwandan entrepreneurs aged 18–30. This initiative provides participants with $3,000 in seed capital to support innovative business ideas, with the ultimate goal of transforming these concepts into thriving, sustainable enterprises.
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Application Details
- All applications must be submitted via the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s dedicated digital platform, TEFConnect.
- The application period is from January 1, 2025, to March 1, 2025. Applicants are strongly advised to complete and submit their applications well before the deadline.
Requirement
1. The program is open to African entrepreneurs with scalable business ideas or existing businesses not older than five years. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
2. Applicants must be citizens of one of the 54 African countries.
3. Entrepreneurs in any industry are eligible, including agriculture, technology, education, healthcare, and more.
To Apply for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Grant 2025
1. First, you need to create an account by visiting TEFConnect and signing up for an account. Ensure your email address and phone number are active for communication purposes.
2. Provide accurate information about yourself and your business by submitting a clear and concise business proposal detailing your idea, target audience, revenue model, and long-term goals. If shortlisted, you’ll be required to submit a detailed business plan.
Tips for a Successful Application
Ensure your business idea is well-articulated and solves a specific problem.
Highlight how your idea stands out from competitors.
Demonstrate the potential for growth and impact.
Utilise the training materials and past winners’ success stories on the TEFConnect platform.
The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme has had far-reaching effects, creating over 400,000 direct and indirect jobs. Alumni businesses report significant revenue increases post-grant. which contributes to poverty reduction and economic self-reliance in Africa.
Applications open in January. Check the TEFConnect website for updates and FAQS
Conclusion
The Tony Elumelu Foundation Grant 2025 is more than just funding; it’s a pathway to entrepreneurial success. With its emphasis on innovation, training, and mentorship, the program equips African entrepreneurs to overcome challenges, grow their businesses, and contribute to the continent’s economic development. Utilise this opportunity to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality.