The Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has announced its 2026 cohort, selecting 30 Cameroonian entrepreneurs from over 265,000 applicants across Africa. This initiative provides each beneficiary with $5,000 in seed funding, an intensive training program, and access to a pan-African network of mentors.
For many young Cameroonians, facing a challenging job market, this opportunity represents a real springboard. Cameroon has established itself as a pillar of the TEF program in Central Africa, recording significant results since its launch. The country has generated $20,255,550 in revenue, created 58,703 jobs, and supported 896 entrepreneurs in various sectors such as agriculture, fintech, clean energy, waste management, and education.
These figures demonstrate the dynamism of young Cameroonian entrepreneurs, who are transforming their ideas into viable businesses, often without financial or institutional support. In comparison with its CEMAC neighbors, Cameroon stands out clearly. Chad, for example, has 614 beneficiaries and 53,465 jobs created, while Congo-Brazzaville has 45 beneficiaries, Gabon 78, Central African Republic 29, and Equatorial Guinea 28.
The $5,000 offered by the TEF program may seem modest, but it represents an important lever for young Cameroonian entrepreneurs who do not have access to bank credit or other forms of financing. This seed funding is complemented by a structured training program and access to a network of more than 3,200 African entrepreneurs, fostering exchange and collaboration.
Tony Elumelu emphasized that the selected entrepreneurs were chosen for their perseverance in the face of challenges. In Cameroon, where entrepreneurship requires particular resilience, this recognition is all the more significant. The TEF program responds to a real economic emergency, helping to combat youth unemployment and providing opportunities for those who are often excluded from the traditional system.
The 30 Cameroonians selected in 2026 embody a growing trend: more and more young people are choosing to create their own jobs, considering entrepreneurship as a vocation and an economic strategy. The sectors in which they invest, such as smart agriculture, clean technologies, and fintech, outline the future of Cameroon.
The TEF program does not claim to solve all the problems, but it demonstrates that investing in Cameroonian youth generates concrete results. The revenues generated and the jobs created testify to the positive impact of this initiative, which will continue to grow with each new cohort.
