Tony Elumelu Foundation Opens 2026 Entrepreneurship Programme

Africa’s Leading Entrepreneurship Philanthropy Catalyses Next Generation of African Entrepreneurs

US$5,000 non-refundable seed capital, world-class training, and mentorship for Africa’s boldest founders

24,000+ entrepreneurs funded, 2.5 million trained, 1.5 million jobs created, US$4.2 billion in revenue generated since 2015

Lagos, Nigeria – 1 January 2026 – The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has opened applications for the 2026 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme, calling ambitious young founders from all 54 African countries to apply. 

Successful applicants receive US$5,000 in non-refundable seed capital, intensive business training, mentorship, and direct access to Africa’s largest entrepreneurship network.

Since 2015, the Programme has funded over 24,000 entrepreneurs, trained 2.5 million Africans, created more than 1.5 million jobs, and generated over US$4.2 billion in revenue, proving that African entrepreneurs can transform the continent.

The Programme is also driving inclusive growth, with women now making up 46% of TEF entrepreneurs – the highest female participation rate recorded by a programme of this scale.

Applications for the 2026 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme are open from 1 January to 1 March 2026.

APPLY HERE

Funding for Women-Led Initiatives in Africa

Eligibility Criteria: Open to applicants based in Africa, Nonprofit organizations, Grassroots organizations, Community-based organizationsn, Individual leaders, Social enterprises

Type of Funding: Flexible Grant

Target Region: Africa

Application Language: English

Objectives

Support initiatives led by women leaders that create positive community impact

Strengthen leadership and advocacy in women-led organizations

Promote sustainable development solutions driven by local needs

Empower women to influence social change and policy

Provide adaptable funding that meets community priorities

Project Themes

Women’s leadership and empowerment

Advocacy for gender equality and women’s rights

Community development and sustainability

Economic empowerment and entrepreneurship

Social innovation for local challenges

Financial Support: Up to $5,000 per selected organization or leader

Application Deadline: Ongoing

APPLY HERE

Call For Applications: SEEDINVEST Acceleration Program For MSMEs in Nigeria ( Up to N5 Million Grant Prize)

Deadline: July 21, 2024

All over the world today, the major sector driving employment, income growth, and capacity development is entrepreneurship.

Not just entrepreneurship for its sake, but successful businesses and the impact of these businesses on national development and gross domestic product.

Nigeria is indeed blessed with great entrepreneurs but unfortunately, most Nigerian businesses do not transcend generations, making an entrepreneurial revolution the solution to Nigeria’s economic and employment challenges.

Our desire at ‘Biodun and Ibikunle Foundation is to drive the entrepreneurial revolution in Nigeria and Africa through our SEEDINVEST Acceleration Program.

The SEEDINVEST Acceleration Program empowers micro and small businesses with asset grants, entrepreneurial training, and advisory services to help them thrive.

For each business that succeeds, we see the economic and social returns such businesses will bring. This includes poverty eradication, employment creation, better mental and physical wellbeing, etc.

Eligibility

KINDLY READ CAREFULLY BEFORE YOU APPLY.

Must be a registered business with the Corporate Affairs Commission.

Must be operational for a minimum of six (6) months.

Must have a 5 years business plan.

Must have a business account with any of the commercial banks in Nigeria.

Must have a Tax Identification Number (TIN).

Product Certification by relevant regulatory body/bodies must be provided where required.

Business address must be verifiable.

Benefits:

5 BUSINESSES TO WIN 5 MILLION NAIRA! IN ASSET GRANT FOR THEIR BUSINESS!

Entrepreneurial Training

Mentoring

Asset Grants Much More…

APPLY HERE

ACT FOUNDATION’S CHANGEMAKERS INNOVATION CHALLENGE 2024 FOR AFRICAN NONPROFITS AND SOCIAL ENTERPRISES.

Deadline: July 12th, 2024

Applications are now open for the 2024 ACT Foundation’s Changemakers Innovation Challenge. The Changemakers Innovation Challenge was conceived by ACT Foundation as a response to the impressive work of community non-profits and social enterprises in Africa that leverage technology and digital tools to create social change within their communities. 

Eligibility Requirements

The Changemakers Innovation Challenge is open to non-profits and social enterprises in Africa. Businesses carrying out innovations that lead to social impact may also apply. 

Organisations must submit social innovations that address challenges in alignment with any of the SDG Goals Click here for more insights on the SDGs

Organisations that have been awarded funding as winners of the Changemakers Innovation Challenge in the past are not eligible.

Non-profits or social enterprises must be registered with the government agency in charge of organizations’ registry in their respective countries.

All submissions must be innovative solutions that use technology or digital systems as major tools in driving community impact. Evidence of claims must be provided through web links, videos, pictures and any other online presence.

Organizations must have been in existence for at least two years.

All social innovations must be at the growth stage and must have been tested or implemented on direct beneficiaries. Evidence of claim must be provided through pictures, news releases, etc

All social innovations must have been implemented within the past two years. PILOT INNOVATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. 

Requirements

The challenge is open to non-profits, social enterprises and businesses across Africa that are utilizing various technological and digital tools to develop innovative social solutions.

Grant funding will be awarded to the top three (3) winners of the Changemakers Innovation Challenge, facilitating the scaling of their innovative solutions across different communities. 

Furthermore, technical support in form of either software, hardware or capacity-building training will be provided to selected finalists as applicable.

Guideline

Entry for the Changemakers Innovation Challenge opens on Monday, 24th June 2024 and closes Friday, 12th July 2024. Late entries will not be considered.

Only one entry will be accepted per organization. Once an entry has been submitted, no further changes will be accepted.

All entries for this challenge must be submitted in English.

No entry fee, purchase or payment of any kind is required to apply.

Grant funding will be awarded to the top three (3) winners of the Changemakers Innovation Challenge towards the scaling of their innovative solutions across different communities. Technical support will also be awarded as applicable.

Winners will be announced and awarded at the annual ACT Foundation Breakfast Dialogue which is scheduled to hold in October 2024. For more details, visit www.actrustfoundation.org.

APPLY HERE

WEST AFRICA CIVIL SOCIETY INSTITUTE (WACSI) 2024 NEXT GENERATION TECHNOLOGY INTERNSHIP (FULLY FUNDED)

Deadline: July 12, 2024

Applications are now open for the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) Next Generation Technology Internship.

The West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI) with support from Ford Foundation is inviting young graduates or civil society actors from Ghana and Nigeria, with interest in leveraging technology for social impact to apply for its 6 months’ Next Generation Technology Internship Programme running from August 2024 to January 2025. 

WACSI is currently seeking 3 interns interested in gaining experience in leveraging technology to support civil society initiatives for social impact.  

Requirements

The ideal candidates should possess the following:

Minimum of a first degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Mathematics or related fields. 

Commitment to WACSI’s vision and values and demonstrated interest in civil society. 

Strong technical, writing and communication (verbal and written) skills. 

Proficiency in Microsoft Office packages. 

Knowledge of Cloud computing tools 

Strong knowledge in digital marketing 

Confidence in using and applying data analysis tools 

Excellent interpersonal skills. 

Works well under pressure and in a multi-cultural environment. 

Proactive, willing to learn and take initiatives. 

Works well as part of a team. 

Job role

Identify potential digital technology related issues and contribute solutions to address them 

Design, plan and implement technology solutions and document key processes and lessons learnt for knowledge building 

Assist in providing support for tech adoption and training in digital technology related areas 

Contribute to outreach and visibility of the tech programme and interventions through marketing support, branding and partners’ engagement 

Report on activities and analysis of data to inform future actions, decision-making and institutionalisation of leading practices 

Support in any other projects or initiatives undertaken by the Unit or across Units within the organisation.

Please note:  

The successful Nigerian intern will spend a substantial part of her/his internship working at the WACSI office in Abuja, Nigeria while the successful Ghanaian intern will spend substantial part of her/his internship working at the WACSI office in Accra, Ghana. 

The internship period is from August 2024 to January 2025. 

It is expected from the intern to produce a practicum and end of internship reports and a technology action plan for implementation pertaining to West Africa/Civil Society by the end of the internship period. 

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. 

APPLY HERE

LEADWAY ASSURANCE GRADUATE TRAINEE PROGRAM 2024 FOR YOUNG NIGERIAN GRADUATES.

Deadline: June 30, 2024

Calling all Graduates with STEEZE! To join the Leadway Assurance Graduate Trainee Programme and build a thriving career while making an impact.

Requirements:

• Must have a BA or BSc Degree from a recognized institution with a minimum of second class lower.

• Must have completed NYSC.

• 0-2 years work experience (Inclusive NYSC service year)

• Not older than 27 years of age

APPLY HERE

Bold Woman Award by Veuve Clicquot (2024)

Welcome on the Bold Open Database, the first open and free database that lists and makes visible all female entrepreneurs worldwide.

Since 1972, Maison Veuve Clicquot has continued the legacy of Madame Clicquot by rewarding and promoting daring women entrepreneurs who impact their sector of activity and Society.

The Bold Woman Award rewards an emblematic woman entrepreneur for her career, her journey and the success of her business and the Bold Future Award rewards a woman entrepreneur who has created or taken over her business less than 5 years ago.

The Bold Open Data Base

Launched in December 2022 to mark the 50th anniversary of the Bold by Veuve Clicquot Program, The Bold Open Data Base is the first open, free and global database that lists and makes visible all female entrepreneurs on the planet.

The Bold Open Data Base was created by Veuve Clicquot. It allows journalists, researchers, investors or entrepreneurs themselves to find female entrepreneurs with varied profiles, from all sectors, all business sizes, in France and around the world.

Prepare your application

To start your application, please refer to the application calendar further down on the web page. We recommend that you prepare the answers to the questionnaire below in advance before starting the online application process.

Is the candidate the founder / co-founder / manager of a company?

Is the company based in the coutry where the candidate lives?

Is the candidate an adult?

Name / Company name

Company address (department)

Creation date

Company legal number

Describe the main activity of your

 company

Number of employees

2023 turnover

If you have carried out fundraising, please indicate this

How long have you been an entrepreneur and how did you get the desire to start a business?

How was your business project born and what is your involvement in its design?

What makes it an innovative/bold concept?

Have you had any obstacles in your entrepreneurial journey? If yes, which ones ?

What are your future plans and the development prospects for your business?

Does your company adopt a CSR approach? If yes, what actions are you taking?

For you, what role can your company play in society?

How can your business and your journey serve as a model for future women entrepreneurs? What advice could you give them?

Are you taking actions to encourage entrepreneurship outside your company?

 Where would you like to lead one? If so why ?

Have you had role models who have inspired you during your career? If yes, which ones ?

What are your motivations for receiving this Prize?

How did you hear about this Prize?

Do not hesitate to attach any document likely to support your application (CV, presentation model of your company, financial statement, etc.).

READ MORE AND APPLY HERE