Tag Archives: business funding

2026 TONY ELUMELU FOUNDATION ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAMME

Application Deadline: 1st March, 2026

LOCATION: Nigeria

Entrepreneurs from anywhere on the African continent—whether they are developing new concepts or already running ventures—are eligible to apply for the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme. The programme particularly welcomes startups that incorporate artificial intelligence or focus on environmentally sustainable solutions.

ELIGIBILITY:

Entrepreneurs from across all 54 African countries are eligible to apply.

Open to businesses that are between 0 and 5 years old at the time of application. Businesses older than 5 years are not eligible.

Being an African entrepreneur, having a business idea or existing business operating in Africa, being 18 years or older, and meeting specific program requirements.

Students can apply if they meet the prorgramme eligibility criteria and have a business idea or an existing business. However, you must provide valid identification documents as required by the application process.

BENEFIT:

Gain access to $5,000 in non-refundable seed capital.

World-class business training

Expert mentorship, and access to networks and market opportunities

APPLY

NIYA STARTUP 2.0, ₦100,000,000 FOR NIGERIAN STARTUP & ENTREPRENEURS

LOCATION: Nigeria

The Federal Government has officially opened applications for NiYA StartUp Pitch 2.0. This initiative will identify and support 100 of Nigeria’s most promising technology startups, offering mentorship, funding opportunities, enterprise development assistance, and nationwide visibility. NiYA is designed to equip entrepreneurs with the essential skills, resources, and guidance required to scale their businesses successfully.

ELIGIBILITY:

Applicant must be aged 18–35 years 

Must currently live in Nigeria

Youth Founders only, with at least two co-founders (no solo entries)

A Completed NiYA Community Profile

A course Completion certificate from NiYA All submissions must be in English. This helps us ensure fairness and consistency during the review process

BENEFIT:

N100,000,000 funds for Nigerian Startup Entrepreneurs

Mentorship from experienced founders and industry experts

Enterprise development support to strengthen business structure

National visibility across media and government platforms

Opportunities to pitch before investors and partners

Access to the wider NiYA innovation and youth development community

APPLY