Full Details on the Tony Elumelu Foundation’s IYBA-WE4A Programme 2025
Calling all visionary women entrepreneurs across Africa! If you’re leading or launching a green business that tackles sustainability challenges, the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has just opened the doors to its second cohort of the Investing in Young Businesses in Africa – Women Entrepreneurship for Africa (IYBA-WE4A) Programme.
Launched on October 6, 2025, this transformative initiative is scaling up to support over 1,000 women-led ventures with seed funding, world-class training, and mentorship. Backed by heavyweights like the European Union (EU), Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented through GIZ’s WE4D project, it’s a powerhouse opportunity to turn your eco-innovations into scalable realities.
Building on the success of the first cohort, which empowered 751 women-led green businesses with nearly $4 million in funding, this 2025 edition zooms in on sustainable growth and gender equality in Africa’s green economy. Whether you’re ideating a renewable energy startup or scaling a circular economy solution, this programme equips you with the tools to create jobs, drive financial inclusion, and foster resilient communities. Applications are live now—don’t wait, as the window closes in just over three months.
What Is the IYBA-WE4A Programme?
IYBA-WE4A is TEF’s flagship effort to bridge the financing and capacity gaps for women entrepreneurs in Sub-Saharan Africa, with a sharp focus on green and sustainable business models. It’s part of the broader TEF ecosystem, which has empowered over 20,000 African entrepreneurs since 2015 through non-refundable seed capital and support. This cohort emphasizes “green transformation,” aligning with global goals like the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for climate action, gender equality, and decent work.
The programme targets high-potential ideas and early-stage businesses in key green sectors, helping participants not just survive but thrive amid economic and environmental shifts. Selected entrepreneurs join a vibrant community via the TEFConnect platform, gaining lifetime access to resources, networks, and alumni events.
Key Objectives
- Boost Economic Participation and Gender Equality: Empower women to lead in the green economy, creating inclusive opportunities for underserved groups like youth and informal sector workers.
- Promote Sustainable Growth: Support ventures that drive job creation, reduce environmental impact, and integrate into local/regional value chains.
- Enhance Business Capacity: Provide tailored training to attract follow-on investments and scale operations.
- Foster Resilience and Innovation: Build skills in finance, digital tools, and leadership to navigate challenges like climate change and market volatility.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, you must meet these core requirements—tailored for aspiring and early-stage women leaders:
- Demographics: African women aged 18+ (no upper age limit).
- Business Stage: Ideas or existing businesses registered no more than 5 years old at application time. (Idea-stage applicants are welcome if they have a viable green concept.)
- Focus Areas: Green sectors only, including:
- Sustainable agriculture
- Blue economy (e.g., sustainable fisheries/ocean resources)
- Renewable energy
- Circular economy (e.g., waste reduction/recycling)
- Eco-tourism
- Construction (green building/materials)
- Logistics (sustainable supply chains)
- Geographic Scope: Open to women in Cameroon, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Senegal, Tanzania, Togo, and Uganda. (Nigerians are not explicitly listed in this cohort—verify on the site if expansions occur, as TEF programmes often evolve.)
- Exclusions: No previous TEF seed capital recipients (TEF alumni ineligible for new funding). Businesses over 5 years old or non-green ideas won’t qualify. Only one application per person—duplicates lead to disqualification.
- Commitment: Willingness to engage fully in training (up to 5 hours/week) and use a WhatsApp-accessible phone for updates.
No prior business experience required, but demonstrating leadership potential and a clear problem-solving pitch is key.
Benefits and Support
This isn’t just cash—it’s a full ecosystem to launch and scale:
- Seed Capital: $5,000 USD non-refundable grant per winner (disbursed after completing training phases).
- Training: Comprehensive business management curriculum customized for green businesses, covering operations, strategy, and sustainability.
- Mentorship: Personalized guidance from TEF experts and alumni.
- Masterclasses: Specialized sessions on finance, resilience, digital growth, leadership, and market expansion.
- Digital Access: Lifetime membership to TEFConnect for networking, resources, and virtual events.
- Additional Perks: Potential for Demo Days, investor pitches, and integration into regional value chains. Top performers may access follow-on growth programmes (e.g., €10,000 grants + 3-month acceleration for alumni).
With over 1,000 spots, the odds are promising—first cohort success stories include ventures in eco-packaging, clean energy, and sustainable farming that created hundreds of jobs.
Selection Process
Applications are reviewed in phases for fairness and impact:
- Initial Screening: Based on cut-off scores for completeness and alignment.
- Evaluation Criteria:
- Leadership: Show your vision and drive.
- Wow Factor: Innovation and uniqueness.
- Elevator Pitch: Concise, compelling business summary.
- Problems Solved: Real-world impact on green challenges.
- Shortlisting: Third-party review; interviews for top candidates.
- Notification: Via email (check spam); all applicants informed.
Winners must complete all programme phases to receive funding—no shortcuts.
Application Details and Deadlines
- Timeline: Open October 6, 2025 – January 25, 2026 (midnight, applicant’s time zone). (Note: Earlier FAQs mentioned a postponement to Q1 2025, but the official launch confirms these dates—always check TEFConnect for updates.)
- How to Apply: Fully online and FREE via www.tefconnect.com. No agents or fees—report scams to whistleblower@tonyelumelufoundation.org.
- Required Documents (upload as JPEG/PNG, <1MB):
- Valid government-issued ID (showing DOB and photo—no student IDs).
- Headshot photo.
- Business registration certificate (if operational).
- Steps:
- Register on TEFConnect (use one email; confirm in spam if needed).
- Select IYBA-WE4A and fill the form (idea description, pitch, impact metrics).
- Submit early—can’t edit post-submission. Troubleshoot via enquiries@tonyelumelufoundation.org.
- Required Documents (upload as JPEG/PNG, <1MB):
- Tips: Use a reliable WhatsApp number. Pitch how your green idea solves a pressing African challenge. Review the green curriculum preview on the site.
