By Richard Nde Lajong
A new chapter has just begun for 30 young entrepreneurs across Cameroon to access funding, training, and mentorship in the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) that has unveiled its 2026 cohort of entrepreneurs. They will be bringing fresh opportunities for business owners across the country.
This year’s announcement, made by Nigerian philanthropist Tony Elumelu, introduces 3,200 entrepreneurs selected from over 265,000 applicants across Africa, with Cameroon once again featuring prominently among beneficiary countries.
For many young Cameroonians navigating a challenging economic environment, the programme represents more than funding; it is a pathway to stability, growth, and independence.
Cameroon, a big part of the Programme
Cameroon remains one of the Foundation’s strongest impact markets in Central Africa. To date, TEF-backed businesses in Cameroon have: Generated over $20 million in revenue; Created more than 58,000 jobs and supported over 800 entrepreneurs across sectors.
These businesses span agriculture, retail, technology, waste management, energy and cleantech, fintech, education and training, sectors that directly impact everyday life in Cameroon.
“We Chose You Because You Kept Going”
Announcing the new cohort on his birthday, Tony Elumelu shared a message of resilience and belief in African entrepreneurs: “We did not choose you because your path was easy. We chose you because you kept going when it wasn’t.” Each selected entrepreneur will receive $5,000 in seed funding, alongside training, mentorship, and access to a continent-wide network.
A Growing Footprint Across Central Africa
Beyond Cameroon, the programme continues to expand across the CEMAC region, supporting entrepreneurs who are driving business growth, job creation, and economic resilience.
A total of 896 Cameroonians have benefited from TEF followed by Chad with 614, Gabon 78, Congo Brazzaville 45, Central Africa Republic 29, Equatoria Guinea 28, and Democratic Republic of Congo 466.
These figures highlight the growing role of entrepreneurship in shaping Central Africa’s economic future, with Cameroon emerging as one of the region’s leading hubs for TEF-supported businesses.
More Than Funding, A System of Opportunity
Since its launch, the Tony Elumelu Foundation has empowered thousands of entrepreneurs across Africa, helping them build businesses, create jobs, and support their communities. At the core of this effort is a simple belief: opportunity should not be limited; it should be accessible.
What This Means for Cameroon
At a time when youth unemployment and economic uncertainty remain key concerns, initiatives like the TEF Entrepreneurship Programme are playing a critical role in supporting self-employment, driving local business growth, and reducing dependence on
traditional job markets. For many young Cameroonians, this is not just support, it is a chance
to build something lasting.
