Elumelu Foundation to announce new entrepreneurship cohort
The Tony Elumelu Foundation will unveil its 12th cohort of Entrepreneurship Programme beneficiaries on Sunday, March 22, 2026. The foundation reported a record-breaking 265,000+ applications from entrepreneurs across all 54 African countries. Selected entrepreneurs will receive funding, business training, and mentorship. Tony O. Elumelu emphasized the importance of supporting local entrepreneurs for Africa’s economic growth.
What we know
- The 12th cohort announcement will take place virtually at 2:00 p.m. West African Time on Sunday, March 22, 2026.
- Over 265,000 applications were received from all 54 African countries, highlighting strong interest in sectors like artificial intelligence, agriculture, and the green economy.
- The foundation will provide $16 million in seed funding to 3,200 entrepreneurs in the 2026 cohort, with each receiving $5,000, training, and mentorship.
- Partners for the programme include Heirs Holdings, European Commission, IKEA Foundation, UNICEF, and the United Nations Development Programme.
- The selection process was independently audited by Ernst & Young to ensure transparency.
