The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF), Africa’s leading philanthropy program dedicated to empower young African entrepreneurs has today Friday, January 1, 2021 opened applications on its TEFConnect digital platform.
This year’s TEF 2021 intervention program will prioritize the economic recovery of SMEs and young African entrepreneurs due to the disruption of economic activities by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addressing the issues posed by the continuous rise of the pandemic so as to pull millions out of poverty while creating a sustainable means of job opportunities across the African continent, TEF will empower 1000 young African entrepreneurs from 2020 cohort.
In partnership with global partners, the foundation has also open applications to 2400 young African entrepreneuers for this year.
Currently the TEF program gas 9,038 alumni as beneficiaries across 54 African countries.
CEO of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Ifeyinwa Ugochukwu commented:
“The Tony Elumelu Foundation now more than ever is demonstrating our commitment to unleashing the potential of young African entrepreneurs, the key to Africa’s long-term economic transformation.
The pandemic has created challenges across the continent, but we know that with the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s tried and tested Programme, we can execute the largest Covid-19 economic recovery plan for African SMEs and break the cycle of poverty in Africa.”
Eligibility for the program
The TEF 2021 Programme is open to entrepreneurs across the African continent with business ideas.
Both new and existing young businesses/startups operating in any sector under three years can also apply.
Benefits of the program
Successful applicants would receive the following:
- World-class business training
- Non-refundable seed capital up to $5,000
- Global Networking Opportunities
- Mentorship
How to Apply
Are you a young African entrepreneur? You can go ahead to apply here.
The deadline for application is Wednesday, March 31, 2021.
Launched in 2015, the TEF $100million Entrepreneurship Programme has empowered 10,000 entrepreneurs in a period of 10 years and has now is entered its 7th year.
In December 2020, Tony Elumelu Foundation partnered the EU to fund women-owned startups in Africa.
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