APPLY: Tony Elumelu Foundation opens entry for 2025 entrepreneurship programmes

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has opened applications for its 2025 entrepreneurship programmes.

In a statement on its website on Wednesday, TEF called for aspiring and existing entrepreneurs across Africa to apply.

The foundation said applicants would receive training, mentoring, and non-refundable seed capital funding.

TEF said three programmes have been introduced: the TEF entrepreneurship programme, the IYBA-WE4A entrepreneurship programme, and the Aguka ideation programme.

“The flagship TEF Entrepreneurship Programme is open to all entrepreneurs across Africa. It is for those with innovative business ideas or businesses not older than five years,” TEF said.

“This year, there is a special emphasis on businesses leveraging Artificial Intelligence (AI). There is also emphasis on green initiatives.

“Applicants must be at least 18 years old.”

TEF said the IYBA-WE4A entrepreneurship programme was launched in partnership with the European Union (EU) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), also known as German Corporation for International Cooperation.

“IYBA-WE4A stands for Investing in Young Businesses in Africa – Women Entrepreneurship for Africa,” the foundation said.

“This programme is for women entrepreneurs with green business ideas. It also supports existing green businesses in Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda, Cameroon, Kenya, Mozambique, Malawi, and Togo.

“Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Their businesses must not exceed five years in operation.”

TEF said the Aguka ideation programme was launched in partnership with UNDP Rwanda, and the Rwandan ministry of youths and arts.

“This programme supports young Rwandan entrepreneurs between 18-30 years with business ideas. It offers a seed capital of $3000,” the foundation said.

“The programme aims to nurture and develop innovative concepts into viable enterprises.”

TEF advised applicants to submit their applications through TEFConnect, its proprietary digital hub.

The foundation said applicants should submit applications between January 1, 2025, and March 1, 2025.

TEF said African entrepreneurs with scalable business ideas or businesses not older than five years are eligible to apply.