You can now apply for the 2018 TEF Entrepreneurship programme

The application portal for the annual Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme is now open. The foundation is now accepting applications for business ideas that can transform Africa. 

This is the fourth (4th) cycle of the programme. TEF Founder, serial entrepreneur and philanthropist Tony O. Elumelu, committed to a 10-year, period to make available $100 million to identify, train, mentor and fund 10,000 African entrepreneurs by 2024.

The Programme provides critical tools for business success, including:

• Training:12 weeks of intensive online training which guides creating and managing a business
• Mentoring:A world-class mentor to guide during the early transformation stages of the business
• Funding:$5,000* in seed capital to prove the concept, plus access to further funding
• Network:Access to the largest network of African start-ups and TEF’s own global contacts

According to Tony Elumelu,

“When we launched the TEF Programme and committed $100 million to empowering Africa’s entrepreneurs, I knew we would create impact, but I never imagined it would be impact of this magnitude. We have unleashed a movement of African entrepreneurs — a force so strong, so inspiring, that I am confident they will collectively transform Africa. We need Africa’s best and brightest entrepreneurs to come learn, grow their businesses and build our continent.”

1,000 entrepreneurs will be selected based on the viability of their idea, including: market opportunity; financial understanding; scalability; and leadership and entrepreneurial skills demonstrated in the application.

Eligibility:

1. The business must be based in Africa
2. The business must be for profit
3. The business must be 0-3 years old
4. Applicants must be at least 18 and a legal resident or citizen of an African country

CEO of the Foundation, Parminder Vir OBE said:

“We encourage women, French and Portuguese speakers to apply. Our 3,000 alumni are already growing their businesses and improving lives. If you have a transformational business or an idea, we have an opportunity for you.”

To apply, complete the online application at www.application.tonyelumelufoundation.org.  The deadline is midnight (WAT) on 1 March 2018.

Launched in 2015, The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme is the largest African philanthropic initiative devoted to entrepreneurship and represents our 10-year, $100 million commitment, to identify and empower 10,000 African entrepreneurs, create a million jobs, and add $10 billion in revenues to Africa’s economy.