$5,000 Tony Elumelu foundation grant for African Entrepreneurs 2026: How to apply and win

Every year, the Tony Elumelu Foundation, a Nigerian philanthropic organisation created by businessman Tony Elumelu, offers its flagship entrepreneurship programme to thousands of African entrepreneurs with big ideas or early-stage firms. For 2026, this possibility is once again available. Founders in all 54 African countries can once again apply for a chance to win USD 5,000 in seed cash, as well as mentorship, structured training, and participation in Africa’s largest entrepreneurial community.

When and where to apply

The 2026 application period began on January 1, 2026, and ends on March 1, 2026. That means you must submit your properly filled application by the deadline or risk losing your chance this year. The entire procedure is conducted online, and all entries must be made via the official TEF portal.

The sole official application portal is https://tefconnect.com/

Are you qualified?

This programme is intended for motivated Africans who are serious about starting a business that will expand, create jobs, and generate money.

To qualify for the 2026 cycle:

• You must be a citizen or legal resident of an African nation.
• You must be at least 18 years old, with no maximum age limit.
• Your company must be in the idea stage or an early-stage startup that is less than five years old.
• The business should be registered and run in Africa.
• Your proposal must focus solely on one business idea.

Certain industries are exempt, such as research institutions and non-profit organisations.

How to apply. A step-by-step guide

Getting your application in on time requires adequate planning and a clear approach to the process.

1. Begin by going to the official website. https://tefconnect.com/
2. On the webpage, you will create an account using a valid email address and then validate it.
3. Once your dashboard is operational, you will complete your personal profile and provide specific information about your company, including its niche, the problem you are solving, your target market, your growth strategy, and your staff.

It is important to create a compelling story in your application, including what motivates you, how your firm makes a difference, and how the USD 5,000 will help you attain the next goal.

• Once everything is finished, double-check all the information and submit your application. After submitting your application, you will receive a confirmation email, and the foundation will contact any shortlisted applicants for the next round.

Why this opportunity matters (and how to think about winning it)

The Tony Elumelu Foundation entrepreneurship programme is about more than just winning $5,000; it is about the transformation that can be achieved through commitment, learning, and strategic execution. Over the years, the foundation has invested tens of millions of dollars in African entrepreneurs, created hundreds of thousands of jobs, and assisted in the development of enterprises that generate significant economic value across the continent.

For anyone serious about African entrepreneurship, applying to TEF is more than just entering a grant competition; it is joining a community of builders, thinkers, and doers who are working together to make good the future of Africa. While not every applicant will be chosen, the effort of creating a thoughtful, well-researched application sharpens your business concept and positions you for future chances, whether with TEF or other investors.

If you are motivated by impact, eager to learn, and willing to put in the effort, this could be the launch your SME requires. Apply early, improve your story, and demonstrate not only what your firm is today, but what it will become tomorrow.

For more information visit https://tefconnect.com/ or https://www.tonyelumelufoundation.org/