Applications are officially open for the 2025 Tony Elumelu Foundation BeGreen Africa Entrepreneurship Programme. This initiative seeks to empower green innovators and entrepreneurs dedicated to sustainable business solutions.

The programme welcomes applicants who are citizens of specific eligible countries, provided they are 18 years or older. Applicants must verify their age with an official government-issued identification document. The programme specifically supports green business ideas or ventures that are profit-driven, focus on a single business domain, and are the original creation of the applicant. Businesses or ideas submitted must adhere to ethical and legal standards.

Entrepreneurs from Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa with green businesses, as well as those involved in waste management enterprises in Kenya, are encouraged to apply. For businesses that are already operational, the registration must not exceed five years as of the application date. The age bracket for eligibility is between 18 and 35 years.

Programme Stages

Verification and Onboarding

Applicants will undergo a verification process requiring them to submit essential documentation. This step ensures the Promoter can confirm the applicant’s identity, business idea, or existing business status. Applicants who fail to meet the verification criteria will be disqualified and notified via email. Successful applicants, however, will be enrolled in the TEF Business Management Training Programme. Those who do not qualify may still access general business training on TEFConnect and have the opportunity to reapply for future programmes.

Business Plan Development

Participants who successfully complete the training phase will be provided with a structured template to create a comprehensive business plan. This document will be evaluated based on feasibility, sustainability, and other relevant factors. To proceed to the next stage, participants must submit their completed plans within the stipulated timeframe. Top performers will receive email notifications and advance to the pitching stage, while those who do not meet the requirements or fail to complete this stage will be disqualified.

Pitching Competition

Shortlisted participants will present their business plans to a panel of judges or submit video pitches to the Promoter. This phase is highly competitive, with selections based on predefined evaluation criteria. Top-scoring individuals will qualify for seed funding, while those who do not secure funding will be categorized as TEF Trainees and notified via email. Any participant unable to complete this phase will be removed from the programme.

Seed Capital Disbursement

Entrepreneurs selected during the pitching phase will be notified via email. Seed funding will be transferred electronically to their registered business bank accounts. Applicable banking fees or charges will not be covered by the Foundation, and as a result, the amount received may be slightly less than the advertised maximum of $5,000. For entrepreneurs supported through TEF partner funding, the disbursement details will align with the respective partner agreements, with further communication provided as needed.

This programme offers a transformative opportunity for green entrepreneurs to expand their ventures while contributing to sustainable development. Take this chance to turn your vision into reality.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached below to apply for this opportunity