Elumelu Unveils 2026 Entrepreneurship Programme Cohort on Birthday

By our Editor
Tony Elumelu has unveiled the 2026 cohort of his entrepreneurship programme as part of activities marking his birthday, further strengthening efforts to empower young African entrepreneurs.
The announcement introduced a new set of beneficiaries selected across Africa to participate in the widely recognised entrepreneurship initiative.
The programme, run through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, is designed to provide funding, training, and mentorship to young business owners.
Each selected entrepreneur is expected to receive financial support of about $5,000 alongside access to business training and mentorship opportunities.
The initiative has continued to attract thousands of applications yearly from across the continent, reflecting the growing interest among young Africans in building sustainable businesses.
Since its launch, the programme has supported over 24,000 entrepreneurs, trained millions of Africans, and contributed to job creation across different sectors.
The foundation has also helped generate billions of dollars in revenue through businesses supported under the initiative, showing its impact on economic growth in Africa.
Elumelu has consistently maintained that empowering entrepreneurs remains one of the most effective ways to drive development and reduce poverty on the continent.
The programme is also known for promoting inclusiveness, with a growing number of women participating and benefiting from the initiative.
With the unveiling of the 2026 cohort, expectations remain high that the programme will continue to expand opportunities, create jobs, and strengthen Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.