THE TONY ELUMELU FOUNDATION (TEF) WOMEN ENTREPRENEURSHIP FOR AFRICA (WE4A) PROGRAM 2024 FOR FEMALE ENTREPRENEURS (5 MILLION USD IN FUNDING)Â Applications are currently being accepted for the TEF Women Entrepreneurship For Africa (WE4A) Program, a collaborative initiative supported by the European Union (EU), the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). Implemented by the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) and the German Development agency GIZ (E4D program), this program targets the empowerment of underserved communities in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly women, youth, and the informal sector. The Acceleration/Growth Programme will receive support from SAFEEM (Swiss Association for Entrepreneurship in Emerging Markets).
The primary objective of the program is to enhance the business capacity of women-led enterprises, thereby increasing their potential to attract follow-on funding from private sector investors. In addition to mentorship and training, selected enterprises will have the opportunity to receive up to €50,000 in grant funding along with participation in a growth program, which will span an additional three months.
Both the initial acceleration phase and the subsequent growth program are designed to foster the success of women entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan Africa. Through improved business skills, access to formal financial services, and integration into local and regional value chains, participants are expected to make significant contributions to employment creation within their communities.
Eligibility:
- This opportunity is open to female entrepreneurs within the TEF Alumni network.
- Applicants should possess a functional product, preferably with an existing customer base.
Acceleration Programme Startups:
As part of this partnership, 100 TEF Alumnae have been selected. They have been divided into eight clusters based on their developmental stage and industry focus. This division aims to offer tailored support throughout the program. Each cluster is overseen by an Entrepreneur in Residence (EiR) who will provide guidance and assistance.
- Agriculture Cluster 1
- Agriculture Cluster 2
- Consumer Products
- Eco-Friendly Ventures
- Education & Training Initiatives
- Health-related Enterprises
- Marketplaces
- Service-oriented Businesses
Program Overview:
- The acceleration program spans 3 months, followed by an additional 3-month growth phase and technical support for selected participants.
- All training sessions and program-related activities will be conducted virtually via Zoom.
- Participants will also have access to an online program management platform and e-learning resources.
For More Information:
Visit the Official Webpage of the TEF Women Entrepreneurship For Africa (WE4A) Program