The Investing in Young Businesses in Africa : Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (IYBA WE4A) initiative partners with the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) to implement a large-scale, pan-African entrepreneurship support programme. TEF, established in 2010, is a leading African philanthropy dedicated to empowering young entrepreneurs through training, mentorship, funding, and digital support.
Successful Implementation of the First Cohort
Under the IYBA WE4A collaboration, TEF successfully implemented the first cohort, delivering comprehensive training, mentorship, and seed capital support to women-led green and circular-economy businesses.
Key achievements from Cohort 1 include:
- 2,107 African women-led green businesses supported,
- USD 3.99 million in seed funding disbursed to 751 women entrepreneurs
- 964 MSMEs reporting improved business capacities and 3,919 additional decent jobs created by IYBA WE4A supported women-led start-ups and MSMEs in sectors contributing to the green transformation
- A strengthened pipeline of women entrepreneurs driving climate-resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth across the continent.
These results proved the effectiveness of the TEF model in advancing green entrepreneurship among young African women and laid the foundation for a larger, more ambitious rollout.
Scaling Up: New Cohort Implementation
Building on the success of the first cohort, IYBA WE4A and TEF are scaling up their impact to support over 1,000 African women entrepreneurs innovating in critical green sectors such as renewable energy, waste management, sustainable agriculture, circular economy solutions, and eco-friendly manufacturing.
The 2026 programme cycle will be implemented through the following five structured phases on TEFConnect:
Application Phase
Applications ended on 25 January 2026. Applicants completed an online form at www.tefconnect.com,submitted required identification and business details, and received immediate eligibility notifications.
Training Phase
Shortlisted applicants undergo a tailored Business Management and Green Business curriculum, with mandatory completion of all modules and assessments.
Business Plan, Financials & Pitch Video Submission
Participants apply the skills gained during training to submit a business plan, financials, and a 2–3-minute pitch video. All submissions are independently reviewed and scored.
Seed Capital Documentation & Verification
Eligible participants prepare for seed capital by registering their business (if needed), opening a business bank account, and submitting required documents. All documentation is audited and verified.
Physical Verification & Seed Capital Disbursement
Selected Participants who pass verification receive seed capital directly in their business bank accounts and are awarded a Programme Certificate of Completion.
