It is a collaboration between Mastercard Foundation and UNDP to identify, incubate, and scale youth-led solutions in specific Nigerian states and sectors, to spur socio-economic development.
1. Identify 5,000 innovators
2. Support capacity building for 2,500 solutions
3. Incubate 300 ventures with technical and financial assistance.
2. Support capacity building for 2,500 solutions
3. Incubate 300 ventures with technical and financial assistance.
August 2023 to December 2025, with two cohorts in 2024 and 2025.
7 states are involved:
1. Borno (Energy)
2. Ekiti (Healthcare)
3. Lagos (Financial Inclusion)
4. Anambra (Commerce)
5. Kwara (Creative Sector)
6. Akwa Ibom (Tourism)
7. Kaduna (Agriculture)
1. Borno (Energy)
2. Ekiti (Healthcare)
3. Lagos (Financial Inclusion)
4. Anambra (Commerce)
5. Kwara (Creative Sector)
6. Akwa Ibom (Tourism)
7. Kaduna (Agriculture)
The application is open to student teams consisting of at least three (3) - five (5) members that meet the following criteria:
a. Students of any of the below Tertiary Institution
b. From at least two (2) faculties with a Lecturer as a mentor
c. Currently at any of the following levels:
e. Have an idea linked to the state sectoral focus (Borno – Energy, Ekiti – Healthcare, Lagos - Financial Inclusion, Anambra - Commerce, Kwara - Creative Sector, Kaduna - Agriculture, and Akwa Ibom -Tourism)
a. Students of any of the below Tertiary Institution
- University of Maiduguri, Borno
- Ramat Polytechnic, Borno
- Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria
- Kaduna Polytechnic
- Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka
- Federal Polytechnic Oko, Anambra
- University of Uyo
- Akwa Ibom Polytechnic, Ikot Ekpene
- Ekiti State University
- The Federal Polytechnic - Ado Ekiti
- University of Ilorin
- Kwara State Polytechnic
- University of Lagos
- Yaba College of Technology
b. From at least two (2) faculties with a Lecturer as a mentor
c. Currently at any of the following levels:
- 2nd Year Undergraduate (200 Level / 2nd Year OND). You've completed your freshman year, and we know that you've got what it takes to start working on your future now.
- 2nd Year Undergraduate (200 Level / 2nd Year OND). You've completed your freshman year, and we know that you've got what it takes to start working on your future now.
- Masters’ Program. You're looking for a way to tie your research or project into a program that could change your life.
e. Have an idea linked to the state sectoral focus (Borno – Energy, Ekiti – Healthcare, Lagos - Financial Inclusion, Anambra - Commerce, Kwara - Creative Sector, Kaduna - Agriculture, and Akwa Ibom -Tourism)
No, you must be part of a team consisting of at least 3 members with a maximum of 5 team members (with at least 2 being female). All your team members must come from the same university or polytechnic.
We want creative and diverse students to join our team! We believe that people with different skills and strengths can work together to make amazing things happen. Whether you're great at coming up with new ideas or you're good at organizing projects, we need your skills. We encourage you to apply and help make positive changes with us.
No, you must be enrolled in one of the listed universities and have an idea within the specified sectors to apply.
No, you must live in one of the listed states and have an idea within the specified sectors to apply.
It's a training program where innovators will attend workshops on how to develop their ideas lasting 2 weeks to 1 month.
Your idea receives support to grow through mentorship from experts. Selected innovators will receive grants between $3,000 and $25,000. This part of the programme lasts 3 to 5 months
Grants are available up to $25,000 to selected ideas that have shown impact and potential to scale.
Trainings would happen in-person within the Institutions’ premises.
No, you don't need to live on-site, but some parts might require in-person attendance.
No, the program is completely free.
You will receive an email or SMS with further instructions and details for the next steps.
A total of 2,500 ideas and solutions are selected cumulatively from the seven designated states
Selected applicants will have the opportunity to showcase their impact and connect with like-minded innovators, potential collaborators, and industry experts. Selected projects will undergo a 2-week boot camp, receive technical support during incubation, and benefit from mentorship by seasoned professionals in their field.
The deadline for application submission is April 13th, 2024.
For additional information, please contact the call center at +234 904 401 3058 for further support.
Email: hello@youngafricainnovates.ng
Local program call center (more info may be available on the official website)
Email: hello@youngafricainnovates.ng
Local program call center (more info may be available on the official website)