TEF TO UNVEIL 2026 COHORT: 3,200 AFRICAN ENTREPRENEURS SET FOR EMPOWERMENT
TEF TO UNVEIL 2026 COHORT: 3,200 AFRICAN ENTREPRENEURS SET FOR EMPOWERMENT
The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Africa’s foremost philanthropy committed to youth empowerment and entrepreneurship development, has confirmed that the 12th cohort of its flagship Entrepreneurship Programme will be officially announced on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
This year’s selection represents a significant expansion in the Foundation’s impact, with 3,200 entrepreneurs across Africa set to receive support under various initiatives of the programme.
The 2026 application cycle recorded an overwhelming response, reflecting both the creativity of African youths and the persistent funding gap across the continent.
Over 265,000 applications were received from innovators across all 54 African countries.
To ensure transparency and credibility, the global consulting firm Ernst & Young (EY) conducted the selection through a rigorous, merit-based evaluation process.
Empowerment Package for Selected Entrepreneurs
Each successful applicant will enter a comprehensive support system designed to move them from idea to impact, including:
Non-refundable seed grant to start or scale their businesses
Business training through the TEFConnect digital platform
Mentorship and networking opportunities with global investors, industry leaders, and partners
The programme is driven by the Foundation’s philosophy of Africapitalism, which promotes the belief that Africa’s private sector must play a leading role in the continent’s economic transformation.
Chairman of the Foundation, Tony O. Elumelu, stressed that entrepreneurship remains the most sustainable path to Africa’s development.
“The future of Africa will be built by Africans who create businesses, generate jobs, and solve the challenges of our continent,” Elumelu said, expressing enthusiasm to welcome the new cohort into the Foundation’s growing impact community.
With the induction of the 2026 cohort, the TEF alumni network will exceed 27,000 entrepreneurs, strengthening its position as one of the largest drivers of innovation, job creation, and economic growth across Africa.
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