Young Nigerian entrepreneurs with innovative, technology-enabled businesses can apply for the GOSIMA Innovation Fund 2026. The programme combines business training, acceleration, networking and grant opportunities.
In addition, selected founders may gain access to a post-SMFEST equity funding opportunity. The programme is funded by Gosima Group and powered by SMFEST International.
What Programme Is the GOSIMA Innovation Fund?
The GOSIMA Innovation Fund 2026 is an entrepreneurship support programme for young Nigerian founders building scalable and technology-enabled businesses.
Rather than focusing only on funding, the programme also provides business development support. Therefore, selected entrepreneurs can improve their business skills, prepare for pitches and connect with other people in the business ecosystem.
The programme is funded by Gosima Group and powered by SMFEST International.
Who Is Eligible for GOSIMA Innovation Fund 2026?
Applicants should meet the following requirements:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Be a Nigerian founder or entrepreneur.
- Own or lead an innovative business or venture.
- Build a scalable, technology-enabled business.
- Address a meaningful problem through the business.
- Show potential for growth and job creation.
Furthermore, applicants should be able to explain their business model, target market, solution and growth plans clearly.
What Country or Region Is Eligible?
The current call is focused on Nigerian entrepreneurs.
Therefore, applicants should be founders building businesses in Nigeria and should be able to demonstrate how their ventures can grow and create value.
What Does the Programme Cover?
The programme covers several areas of business development.
Selected participants can receive:
- Business acceleration
- Expert-led masterclasses
- Business growth support
- Pitch preparation
- Networking opportunities
- Increased business visibility
- Opportunities to pitch before experts
In addition, the programme offers a grant competition and a separate post-SMFEST equity opportunity.
What Are the Academic Requirements?
No specific academic qualification is stated in the current announcement.
The focus is instead on the entrepreneur, the business, innovation, scalability and the problem being solved.
As a result, applicants should focus on presenting a clear and convincing business case rather than relying on academic qualifications.
What Documents Are Required?
The current public announcement does not provide a complete list of compulsory supporting documents.
However, applicants should be prepared to provide accurate information about themselves and their businesses during the online application.
It is also sensible to have basic business information ready, such as:
- Founder information
- Business description
- Problem and solution
- Target customers
- Business model
- Growth plans
- Job-creation potential
Check the application form for the exact documents and information requested before submitting.
What Funding Is Available?
The programme lists ₦10 million in total grant awards across the top three positions.
The awards are:
- Winner: ₦5 million
- 1st Runner-Up: ₦3 million
- 2nd Runner-Up: ₦2 million
Importantly, the ₦10 million is the combined value of these three awards, not ₦10 million for every selected applicant.
There is also a separate ₦90 million post-SMFEST equity funding opportunity for businesses that meet the relevant requirements. This should not be confused with the grant awards.
What Are the Benefits?
Participants can gain more than financial support.
The programme offers:
- Business acceleration
- Practical masterclasses
- Business growth guidance
- Pitch preparation
- Networking
- Greater visibility
- Access to expert feedback
- Potential grant funding
- Potential access to post-SMFEST equity funding
Therefore, the opportunity can provide both business education and potential financial support.
When Is the Application Deadline?
The application deadline is September 28, 2026.
Applicants should avoid waiting until the final day. Instead, prepare the required information early and review the form before submitting it.
How Do I Apply?
To apply, first review the eligibility requirements. Next, prepare your business information and complete the online application.
The application process is online. Applicants should provide accurate information and make sure their business clearly demonstrates innovation, scalability and the ability to solve a meaningful problem.
After completing the form, review your answers carefully before submitting.
For more business and funding opportunities, you can also explore OpportunityLab’s grants section.
