TEF Entrepreneurship Programme Application 2026 | How to Apply
TEF Entrepreneurship Programme 2026: Application for Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Pogramme 2026 is currently ongoing. Interested individuals and SMEs seeking a grant to upgrade their businesses should visit the foundation’s official application portal at https://tefconnect.com/ to access and complete the online application form.
This article outlines a simple, step-by-step guide on how to successfully apply for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Pogramme 2026.
About TEF Entrepreneurship Programme
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme is a premier African philanthropic initiative that empowers entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries. It provides $5,000 in non-refundable seed capital, 12 weeks of business training, and mentorship to early-stage startups. Applications are open annually on TEFConnect from January 1 to March 1 for businesses aged 0–5 years.
Applicants looking for additional grant opportunities can also explore the Jerry Eze Foundation Entrepreneurship Grant
Overview of the Programme
Location: Africa
Firm: Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF)
Certification: NIN, Business Registration Certificates
Deadline: 23rd February – 1st March, 2026
Method of Application: Online
Fee for Application Form: Free
Application Link: https://tefconnect.com/
Official Application Portal
The official application portal of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme 2026 is https://tefconnect.com/
Countries eligible for TEF Programme 2026
Applicants from all the 54 countries in the African continent are eligible for the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme 2026.
Eligibility Criteria for TEF Entrepreneurship Programme 2026
Below are the requirements to enroll in the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme:
- Applicants for the TEF Entrepreneurship programme must be Nigerian citizens or legal residents living and operating in Nigeria.
- Applicant for the TEF Entrepreneurship programme must possess a valid means identification such as National Identification Card, Driver’s License, International Passport etc.
- Applicants must be 18 years or older at the time of application.
- Application for the TEF Entrepreneurship programme is open to Individual entrepreneurs with a registered business name
- Application for the TEF Entrepreneurship programme is open to Micro and Small Enterprises (SMEs) with verifiable registration with CAC.
- Applicant for the TEF Entrepreneurship programme must have a registered business with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) as Business Name, Limited Liability Company or Non-Governmental Organization.
- Applicant for the TEF Entrepreneurship programme must have a well-drafted business plan
- The business must have been operational for at least 6 months prior to the application date
- Priority will be given to businesses operating in Agriculture and agribusiness – Manufacturing – Technology and digital services
- Applicants for the TEF Entrepreneurship programme must demonstrate a clear need for funding and explain how the grant will be utilized
- Applicants for the TEF Entrepreneurship programme must not have been convicted or involved in fraud – financial misconduct – illegal activities or under criminal investigations.
- Applicant’s proposed business plan must align with ethical business practices and impact communities
How to Apply for TEF Entrepreneurship Programme 2026
- Visit the TEF website at https://tefconnect.com/register
- Create/Register an account using your email and password
- Click on Apply now
- Fill the application form carefully
- Upload all required supporting documents completely
- Review for errors
- Submit your application
Is the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme 2026 Ongoing
YES, currently the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme 2026 is ongoing. Interested and qualified persons are to visit the official application portal of TEF at https://tefconnect.com/ to obtain the online application form for the entrepreneurship programme.
Deadline for TEF Programme 2026
The official deadline for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme 2026 is on the 1st of March, 2026 by 11:59PM. Applications will not be accepted after the assigned deadline expires
Goodluck on your application!
