How to Apply for the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) 2026 Programme

Step-by-Step Guide by an AlumnusBy Johnmary Kavuma, Founder & Team Leader, Upcycle Africa

Date: January 10, 2026

They say that when opportunity knocks, you have to be ready to open the door. But sometimes, the door is heavy, you are tired, and you feel like you’re just a “newbie” with no idea what you’re doing.

I know that feeling. I know it intimately.

Today, I am writing to you as the Founder of Upcycle Africa. You see our work: the houses built from plastic bottles, the young people we have trained, the communities we are cleaning up one bottle at a time. You see the awards and the recognition. But I want to take you back to 2018, before anyone knew my name.

The Dreamer with No Resources

In 2018, I was just a young man with a crazy idea. I looked around my community and saw two crises colliding: an ocean of plastic waste choking our environment, and a generation of young people desperate for work and affordable housing.

I had the vision—turn the waste into wealth; turn the bottles into bricks. But vision, my friends, does not pay for cement. It doesn’t pay for transport. It doesn’t feed you while you build prototypes.

I was a complete novice in the business world. I had never written a grant proposal. I didn’t have “connections.” I felt unqualified.

Then, I heard about the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Entrepreneurship Programme. They were offering $5,000 in seed capital, training, and mentorship to African entrepreneurs with big ideas.

I was scared, but I applied. I poured my passion into that application. I didn’t try to use big words; I just told them the raw, honest truth about the problem I wanted to solve.

The Call That Changed Everything

A few months later, I was literally sleeping inside one of the prototype houses I was building. It was a humble beginning, built with sweat and plastic.

Suddenly, I heard shouting outside. Friends came running, yelling my name. They had seen the list.

I was selected.

That moment was about more than just the money. The $5,000 was life-changing fuel, yes. It allowed us to buy materials, scale our operations, and refine our technology. But more importantly, the selection gave Upcycle Africa credibility. It told the world that our “crazy idea” was actually a viable, scalable solution for Africa’s future.

The TEF training transformed me from an activist with a project into a CEO with a business.

Now, It’s YOUR Turn. The 2026 Door is Open.

The reason I am sharing this story is simple: The 2026 Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme is officially LIVE.

The same opportunity that built Upcycle Africa is now available to you.

If you have an idea that solves a real problem—in agriculture, tech, fashion, healthcare, or even waste management like us—this is your moment.

$5,000 USD Non-Refundable Seed Capital.
World-Class Business Management Training.
Global Mentorship & Network.

You might be sitting there thinking, “But I’m just a newbie. I don’t have grant-writing skills.”

Listen to me: Neither did I.

TEF isn’t looking for perfection. They are looking for potential, passion, and a viable business idea that can create jobs and solve problems on this continent.

Join Me: Let’s Unlock Your Funding

Because I believe so strongly in this program, and because I want to see more success stories from our Upcycle Africa community, I am hosting a free masterclass to guide you.

I will share the “insider” tips I learned on my journey. I’ll show you how to frame your story and navigate the application portal.

Don’t let fear stop you. If a guy a guy like me did it, why not you?

https://tefconnect.com/home

Need Guidance? Let’s Talk.

The application process can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to walk this path alone. I am here to support aspiring entrepreneurs who are ready to make a difference.

If you have questions, need guidance on your application, or want to join my upcoming masterclass sessions, please reach out to me directly.

Let’s connect: