The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) have unveiled the 12th cohort of the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, welcoming 3,200 young African entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries into Africa’s leading entrepreneurship programme. Since the programme launched in 2015, the Tony Elumelu Foundation has empowered over 24,000 African entrepreneurs, providing business training, mentorship, and $100 million in seed capital to early-stage businesses.Th
In 2026, the Tony Elumelu Foundation will empower a total of 3,200 entrepreneurs in four (4) cohorts. This is the first cohort of the 2026 Entrepreneurship Programmes. Final eligibility for the non-returnable USD 5,000 seed funding is subject to successful completion of the training and mentorship programme, submission of a robust business plan, provision of valid limited-company documentation, passing of a statutory audit and due diligence, and communicated terms set by the Tony Elumelu Foundation.
- 51% Women in 2026 Cohort, Signalling Rise of Female-Led Enterprises
- 75% of selected entrepreneurs aged 18–35, reinforcing youth-driven economic transformation .
- 30% of selected entrepreneurs from rural communities, expanding access beyond urban centres, and 13 selected entrepreneurs reported to be thriving with disabilities.
Hers is the list: SHORTLISTED ENTREPRENEURS FOR THE 2026 FLAGSHIP TONY ELUMELU FOUNDATION ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME
