The Tony Elumelu Foundation is set to announce the 3,199 entrepreneurs selected for the 2026 TEF Entrepreneurship Programme.
The announcement will take place during the 2026 Tony Elumelu Foundation Selection Announcement event scheduled for March 22, 2026, in Abuja.
According to the Foundation, the selected entrepreneurs represent the newest cohort of young African business owners who will receive support through the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme.
In a message sent to members of the Foundation’s Mentors’ Guild, the organisers stated that the event will unveil the entrepreneurs chosen for this year’s programme.
“As a valued member of the Tony Elumelu Foundation Mentors’ Guild, I am very pleased to specially invite you to the 2026 Tony Elumelu Foundation Selection Announcement where we will unveil the newest cohort of 3,199 young African entrepreneurs selected for this year’s TEF Entrepreneurship Programmes,” the Foundation said.
The event will be hosted by the Foundation’s founder, Tony O. Elumelu, alongside co-founder Awele V. Elumelu.
It will take place at the Congress Hall of the Transcorp Hilton Abuja, beginning at 2 pm WAT.
The Foundation disclosed that the 3,199 entrepreneurs will be supported through several partnerships and funding collaborations.
According to the organisers, “In 2026, the Foundation will be empowering a total of 3,199 entrepreneurs,” through partnerships with organisations including Heirs Holdings, European Commission, GIZ, UNICEF and United Nations Development Programme.
The Foundation also noted that the programme continues to support African entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, coaching and business training.
“In a volatile world, the Foundation’s work is vital in providing access to funding, mentorship, coaching, training, and resources to catalyse entrepreneurial businesses,” the message stated.
