$5,000 grant for African entrepreneurs
The TEF Entrepreneurship Programme provides $5,000 seed capital, mentoring, and a global network to 1,000 African entrepreneurs annually. No equity taken. Open to all African countries.
Use when
You are an early-stage African founder looking for non-dilutive seed funding and mentorship.
Skip when
Your business is more than three years old, you are under 18, or you need funding this quarter. The cycle is annual and the cheque is $5,000, which is working capital rather than a raise.
Status (21 Sep 2026): the 2026 cycle closed on 1 March 2026. Applications run through TEFConnect and the window has historically opened in January, so treat the new year as the point to prepare rather than apply now. The award is US$5,000 in non-refundable seed capital plus a 12-week training programme and mentor access. It is a grant: no equity is taken and nothing is repaid.
Alternatives
Equity-free acceleration plus up to $500,000 follow-on in Morocco
Kigali's venture studio and early-stage investor
Mini-MBA and seed prizes for Cameroonian women entrepreneurs
