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- Mar 25, 2021
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Tanzania has secured representation among the beneficiaries of the 2026 Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme, with 12 entrepreneurs selected in the first batch of awardees announced across the continent.
The unveiling took place at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, where 1,951 entrepreneurs were revealed as part of a total of 3,200 beneficiaries to be supported by the Foundation this year. The selection followed a highly competitive process that attracted over 260,000 applications from 54 African countries.
The 2026 cohort will be announced in phases to promote inclusivity and broaden sectoral impact. The first group includes 1,951 entrepreneurs selected under the TEF flagship programme.
Additional groups to be announced later this year include 100 entrepreneurs under the Waste Management Programme, 100 under the Aguka Programme in Rwanda, and 1,049 under the Women for Africa initiative, where increased participation from Tanzania is anticipated.
Each selected entrepreneur will receive USD 5,000 in seed funding, along with business training, mentorship, and access to a pan-African network aimed at accelerating enterprise growth and job creation through a comprehensive support system.
Tanzania’s inclusion in this cohort reflects its continued participation in Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, while also highlighting the opportunity to further strengthen competitiveness in future application cycles.
Across Africa, women make up 51% of the selected entrepreneurs, compared to 49% men, underscoring the Foundation’s commitment to gender inclusion.
Speaking at the event, Tony Elumelu highlighted the vital role of entrepreneurship in driving economic transformation and addressing youth unemployment across the continent. He also stressed the importance of a supportive environment for business success.
Co-Founder Awele Vivian Elumelu encouraged applicants who were not selected to remain determined and continue applying in future cycles.
The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme remains one of Africa’s leading initiatives supporting entrepreneurs through funding, capacity development, and mentorship.
Applications for the next cycle are currently open. Tanzanians, alongside other Africans, are encouraged to apply before the end of March 2026.
For more information, visit www.tonyelumelufoundation.org.
