Young Africa Innovates: Cohort 2 in Nigeria

Description

Young Africa Innovates, a UNDP and Mastercard Foundation partnership, is seeking youth-led innovations in Nigeria for its second 2026-2027 cohort. Applicants must be aged 18 to 35 and reside in one of seven participating states: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Katsina, Niger, Plateau or Taraba. Solutions from different sectors are welcome. The pathway includes ecosystem activation, idea selection, bootcamp, incubation and market access. Selected projects may receive technical support, mentoring and resources, with grants linked to programme stages and selection decisions. Submitting an application does not automatically secure funding. Reviewers consider lived experience of the problem, proof of concept, community impact, job creation potential and scalability. Applications close on 18 November 2026. Women, people with disabilities and innovators who are often excluded from conventional entrepreneurship networks are particular target groups. Prepare a clear account of the problem, the proposed solution and evidence that it can serve real customers or communities.

Official source and verification

Eligibility criteria

• Age 18 to 35 at application.
• Residence in Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Katsina, Niger, Plateau or Taraba.
• Innovation with community impact and development potential.

Application procedure