Investing in Young Businesses in Africa: Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (IYBA WE4A) Programme 2025–2026

The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has officially launched the Investing in Young Businesses in Africa: Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (IYBA WE4A) Programme, a transformative initiative aimed at empowering women-led enterprises across the African continent. Through this ambitious program, the Foundation continues to strengthen its commitment to promoting inclusive economic growth, gender equality, and sustainable development across Africa.

Empowering Women Entrepreneurs

The IYBA WE4A Programme provides a unique opportunity for women entrepreneurs to access seed capital, training, mentorship, and global exposure. Selected participants will each receive $5,000 in seed funding to expand their businesses, coupled with a series of tailored workshops and intensive capacity-building sessions designed to strengthen business operations, enhance leadership skills, and foster innovation.

The programme also offers personalized mentorship, connecting women founders with successful business leaders, investors, and professionals who guide them through practical challenges in scaling their ventures. By linking participants with experts across different sectors, the initiative ensures that African women entrepreneurs have access to the tools, networks, and confidence needed to build sustainable enterprises that create jobs and drive social impact.

Building Resilient, Green, and Inclusive Economies

This edition of the IYBA WE4A Programme places a strong emphasis on the green economy, recognizing the urgent need for environmentally conscious and sustainable business models. Women entrepreneurs operating in sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, recycling, clean technology, environmental innovation, and climate resilience are particularly encouraged to apply.

Through this focus, the programme seeks to strengthen the role of women in climate action and environmental sustainability, positioning them as catalysts for Africa’s transition to a low-carbon, inclusive, and circular economy. By supporting enterprises that prioritize green innovation, the programme aligns with Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those focused on gender equality, climate action, and decent work and economic growth.

Eligibility Criteria

The IYBA WE4A Programme is open to women entrepreneurs residing and operating in the following African countries:

• Cameroon
• Kenya
• Malawi
• Mozambique
• Senegal
• Tanzania
• Togo
• Uganda

Applicants must demonstrate a strong entrepreneurial vision, commitment to business growth, and a desire to create positive community impact. The programme welcomes applications from startups and small businesses that have the potential to scale and contribute meaningfully to sustainable development in their local contexts.

A Collaborative Effort for Sustainable Impact

The IYBA WE4A Programme is part of a wider effort to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Africa. Through strategic partnerships and international collaboration, the initiative seeks to create long-term impact by enhancing access to finance, skills, and networks for women-led enterprises.

The Tony Elumelu Foundation — a leading philanthropy championing entrepreneurship across Africa — plays a central role in this ecosystem by supporting entrepreneurs who drive innovation and economic transformation. Over the years, TEF has empowered thousands of entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship, and business training through its flagship Tony Elumelu Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP). The IYBA WE4A Programme builds upon this legacy, specifically addressing the challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in accessing finance, mentorship, and global markets.

Key Benefits of Participation

Participants in the programme will receive:

• $5,000 in seed funding to support business growth and expansion
• Tailored business training delivered by experienced instructors
• One-on-one mentorship with industry leaders
• Networking opportunities with global investors, innovators, and policymakers
• Visibility and exposure through the Tony Elumelu Foundation network
• Access to growth resources, including technical support and strategic partnerships

These benefits are designed not only to enhance participants’ entrepreneurial capacity but also to strengthen their ability to scale and sustain their ventures in a competitive global economy.

A Gateway to Global Opportunities

The programme offers more than funding—it opens doors to international visibility and collaboration. Selected entrepreneurs become part of a dynamic community of African innovators, joining a network of over 15,000 TEF alumni who continue to transform their industries and communities. This powerful network connects entrepreneurs with global investors, development institutions, and peer mentors committed to supporting Africa’s next generation of changemakers.

Through structured engagements, online learning platforms, and collaborative activities, the programme ensures continuous learning and growth. By the end of the fellowship, participants are equipped with advanced business acumen, expanded networks, and practical strategies to navigate Africa’s evolving economic landscape.

Application Process and Deadline

Applications are open from October 6, 2025, and will close on January 25, 2026. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early to ensure timely consideration. The selection process is merit-based, evaluating applicants on innovation, business potential, and social impact.

Eligible women entrepreneurs can submit their applications through the official TEF platform.

For updates, announcements, and additional resources, applicants are encouraged to follow the Tony Elumelu Foundation across its official communication channels.

Conclusion

The IYBA WE4A Programme represents a crucial step toward bridging the gender gap in entrepreneurship and supporting Africa’s green transition. By equipping women with the resources, networks, and mentorship they need to thrive, the Tony Elumelu Foundation continues to inspire a generation of women leaders who are shaping Africa’s future — one innovation at a time.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the funding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.