Tony Elumelu Foundation to announce 2025 Cohort of entrepreneurship programme

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) is set to announce the 2025 cohort of its flagship Entrepreneurship Programme on Saturday, March 22, 2025.

Since its launch in 2015, the programme has provided over $100 million in direct funding, trained 2.5 million young Africans, and helped lift more than 2 million people out of poverty.

Entrepreneurs supported by TEF have collectively created 1.5 million jobs and generated $4.2 billion in revenue.

This year’s announcement comes amid economic challenges across Africa, with funding constraints impacting many startups.

The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme aims to bridge this gap by offering selected entrepreneurs $5,000 in non-refundable seed capital, world-class training, mentorship, and access to global investment opportunities. The selection process is independently conducted by Ernst & Young.

TEF founder and Group Chairman of Heirs Holdings, Tony O. Elumelu, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to fostering Africa’s next generation of business leaders.

“Africa’s transformation will be driven by entrepreneurs, not aid. By equipping them with funding, training, and networks, we are empowering them to build businesses that create jobs and drive economic growth,” Elumelu said.

Over the past decade, the programme has supported thousands of entrepreneurs across sectors including agribusiness, fintech, and renewable energy. Success stories include entrepreneurs like Fatima Diallo (Senegal), Mary Okeke (Nigeria), and Juma Nyerere (Tanzania), who have expanded their businesses across multiple countries.

With applications now closed, anticipation is high for the March 22 announcement, which will introduce a new generation of African entrepreneurs ready to make an impact.

For more information, visit TEF’s website or contact media@tonyelumelufoundation.org.