African startups raised only $2.2 billion in 2024, representing just 0.6% of global startup funding, highlighting a massive financing gap that leaves promising tech entrepreneurs without the capital needed to scale digital solutions across the continent.
Only 5% of African seed-stage startups successfully secure Series A funding—85% lower than the global average—underscoring the critical importance of accessible early-stage support for ICT4D innovators.
$5,000 Seed Grants for Startups
The Tony Elumelu Foundation 2026 Entrepreneurship Programme is offering $5,000 non-refundable seed capital plus comprehensive business training and mentorship to African entrepreneurs developing scalable technology solutions. Since 2015, TEF has invested over $100 million across more than 20,000 entrepreneurs, generating jobs and business growth throughout all 54 African countries.
Non-dilutive grants like this offer the “first check” that helps bridge the gap between an idea and an investable business. With 75% of African startup funding occurring at pre-Series A or earlier stages, TEF’s programme provides essential foundation support for tech entrepreneurs addressing Africa’s most pressing development challenges through innovative digital solutions.
Comprehensive Support Package
Selected entrepreneurs receive $5,000 direct investment, world-class business training delivered through TEFConnect’s online platform, one-on-one expert mentorship, and access to global networks connecting founders with investors, partners, and international markets.
The programme specifically welcomes ICT4D solutions spanning fintech, digital health, agtech, climate tech, education technology, and connectivity innovations—sectors driving Africa’s digital transformation.
Eligibility & Application
Open to citizens or legal residents of any African country, age 18 or older, operating early-stage businesses (0-5 years old) registered and operating primarily in Africa. The programme encourages diverse representation, including female founders and Francophone, Lusophone, and Arabic-speaking entrepreneurs.
Apply Now: Deadline: March 1, 2026
More Funding Opportunities
Please sign up now to get our email updates. Learn how to get startup funding for your technology business, and find new funding opportunities with donors.
We are constantly publishing fundraising guidance and competitive insights like this:
Is there any way that is a scam or illegal in any way? Forgive my scepticism but grants don’t just awarded to just anyone who applies.
I want to explore the world of A I to improve Africa and personal Business
interested about AI to learn
Hshasjiasi
Nice
Please kindly consider my application for the start up poultry farm business
Very good learning
Wonderful innovation
I need a help of money to pay for my school
All thing is nice
I m amazed to here this opportunity
Wow,what a great opportunity to participate in this year Chief Ronny Elumelus foundation 2026.
I will be so grateful if I’m privileged to participate in this barge
Thank you
I’m happy about this development, please can I benefit of this your laudable program
Hi am Glory and desire to learn
Nice for we business men, this is the month of business breakthrough..
I pray that my application will b granted
It good having you to assist people in this very aspect of entrepreneurship.
I want to business for achievement for my life for achieving for my life
Thank you so much for this great opportunity.
I am applying for this grant on my mom’s behalf. She has so many business ideas and a strong desire to succeed, but she has been unable to pursue them because she has dedicated most of her resources to supporting my siblings’ and my education. She has always put us first, even at the expense of her own dreams. I would be deeply grateful and truly happy if she is given this opportunity.
Thank you so much.
I pray that my application will be granted to start up business. Thanks and God bless.
I am very willing to to learn please. Thank you
I am applying this for helping me to continue my study as a student in university. Thank you God bless you
I pray that my application be a successful one to enable me continue with my business. I’m farmer
I am very much glad to be funded by this grant, because there are individuals with skilled but lack of attitude to start business. Thus, I am going to assist them and initiate them to start their own business. Particularly in the area of agriculture.
I am applying for this GRANT to act as CAPITAL for my START UP which will serve my rural folk by providing internet for EASE OF EDUCATION, TEACHERS, FARMERS, TRADERS and the administration will benefit from cutting down of expenses for services where the local community had to go many kilometers to the COUNTY HEADQUARTERS. I will open up a cyber to provide these services locally, cutting the cost for providing education, the cost to farmers to get seeds and fertilizer the cost to businessmen to order their equipment from the factories, the administration to book births, deaths and reports on incidents of crime. My cyber will cut costs for all social and economic activities and hence release extra funds for investment and creation of jobs. My CYBER will serve about 30,000 of my local rural population. I will cut down the cost of education, farming, trading and business.
Am interested in the grant inthat I can start up having much more productive work and hence enlarging market for my products like olia’s mutoni millet flour I that in the next coming two years from now I should be in position to establish so many products world wide hence creating job opportunities for my fellow youth