GET READY TO APPLY: TEF Entrepreneurship Programme
The Tony Elumelu Foundation
Apply on their own site: https://tefconnect.net
This checklist: https://qualifyafrica.com/o/tef-entrepreneurship-programme
Built only from what the listing states. Lines marked (our advice) are ours.
The application takes real work, by our reading.

1. CHECK YOURSELF AGAINST WHAT THEY ASK
[ ] from any of the 54 African countries
[ ] aged 18 or over
[ ] a business idea, or a business no more than three to five years old
[ ] research institutions, faith-based organisations and government contractors are not eligible
[ ] the seed capital is paid into a business bank account, so you will need one by the time you are selected

2. WHAT TO GET READY
An online form; it names no documents. Some forms do not save as you go, so set aside time to do it in one sitting.
In their words: "Application through TEFConnect, covering the business idea, the market and the applicant."

3. DATES
- Opens 1 January 2027. You cannot apply before then.
- Closes 31 March 2027, in 160 days.
- On the date, the listing says: The Foundation's FAQ states applications commence on 1 January each year and the application phase runs 1 January to 31 March. The current cycle is not open in September.
- Aim to send it by 28 March 2027. Websites slow down near a deadline, and data runs out. (our advice)

4. WHAT IT COSTS YOU
- Travel to the annual TEF Entrepreneurship Forum is covered for those selected.

A job never asks you to pay to apply. A listing that charges shows the fee above, and it is paid only to the organisation. If anyone asks for money any other way, stop, and tell us: hello@qualifyafrica.com