Q: What are the eligibility criteria for the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme?
Open to all entrepreneurs across Africa with business ideas or existing businesses. We encourage ideas and existing businesses from all sectors. To apply to the 2026 Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme, you must be 18 years & above, and your business must not exceed Five years.
Q: How do I apply?
A: Please apply via www.tefconnect.com . The application launched on the 1st of January and will close at 11.59 pm on the 1st of March 2026. It is important to complete your application well ahead of the deadline.
Q: Can I apply to more than one Entrepreneurship programme?
A: No, you cannot. You are not allowed to apply to more than one programme. We encourage you to carefully read and review the available programme overview and select the preferred programme that suits your entrepreneurial and business goals.
Q: Is there a registration fee to be paid before the TEF Entrepreneurship programme application?
A: No, Applying to the programme is free. TEF has NOT appointed anyone to act on her behalf to conduct any part of this Programme. If anyone is asking you to pay any amount of money in exchange for application support, it is a scam. Please report it immediately by sending an email to whistleblower@tonyelumelufoundation.org. We will ensure the confidentiality of your information.
Q: I have signed up on tefconnect.com but no confirmation email received
A: Kindly ensure to check your inbox, spam, promotional and junk mailboxes for confirmation emails. If you still experiencing difficulties receiving it, please send an email to enquiries@tonyelumelufoundation.org for any further assistance.
Q: While filling my application on tefconnect.com, I am unable to click on ‘’CONTINUE’’ to move to the next page of my application
A: If you experience any issues with filling your application. Kindly use the following steps:
- Check your internet connectivity
- Sign out of the platform and clear your browser cache
iii. If the issue persists, please send an email to enquiries@tonyelumelufoundation.org with detailed reference (explanation of the issues faced) either with text, image or video and we will resolve.
Q: Can I use a student ID to apply?
A: No, we only allow government-issued IDs that clearly display your date of birth and a clear photograph of you are accepted.
Q: I am unable to upload my ID/photo
A: Kindly ensure that you are uploading a Jpeg/png file no more than 5mb in size. If the issue persists, kindly send a screenshot of the error message to enquiries@tonyelumelufoundation.org
Q: Can I edit my application after submission?
A: No, you cannot. Once submitted, applications cannot be edited. We recommend reviewing your application thoroughly before submitting.
Q: What is the next step after applying on TEFConnect?
A: Once you have successfully submitted your application, you will get an application notice on next steps.
Q: Can I reapply after being rejected in previous years?
A: Yes, we encourage you to reapply to our programme until you are successful. However, participants disqualified from previous programmes are not allowed to reapply to any of the programmes.
Q: If I have received seed capital from previous TEF Entrepreneurship Programmes, can I apply to the other programmes as a fresh applicant?
A: No, Entrepreneurs who have received seed capital from any of the programmes implemented by the Tony Elumelu Foundation are considered as Alumni and are not eligible to apply to any of the programmes.
Q: Which mobile number should I use for application?
A: It is advisable to use a phone number that you have access to 24hrs and is accessible via WhatsApp number.
Q: Can I change my email address during the programme after applying?
A: No, your email address is your unique identifier. Kindly ensure that you use Gmail, Yahoo mail or any other email domain that is reliable and always accessible by you. You CANNOT change your email at any time during the programme.
Q: Does it mean I am eligible to receive seed capital immediately after application?
A: No, participants who are shortlisted after the application will need to complete all programme phases and meet the programme requirements to become eligible for seed capital.
Q: What happens if I miss the application deadline for the programme?
A: Missing the application deadline will mean you cannot participate in the programme and will need to re-apply next year.
Q: I have two ideas. Can I submit them separately?
A: No, you are required to apply with only one business idea & existing business. As a applicant if you are found to have applied multiple times in the same cycle or in different cycles you will be disqualified.
Q: Can I apply with 2 email addresses?
A: Applicants are only allowed to submit an application using one email address. Duplicate applications using different email or personal information will not be considered and removed.
Q: Can I apply if I am part of a team or partnership?
A: Yes, you can apply. However, only one person can be the principal applicant.
Q: What language should I use to fill the application?
A: Applications must be completed in English, Portuguese, Arabic or French.