Are you a young Nigerian with an idea that solves a real problem in your community? The Young Africa Innovates (YAI) Programme, a partnership between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Mastercard Foundation, is accepting applications for Cohort 2 (2026–2027). Selected innovators receive free bootcamp training, incubation, mentorship and links to markets and funding. Applications close on 18 November 2026.
Cohort 2 is open to young people living in seven states: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Katsina, Niger, Plateau and Taraba. You do not need a registered business to apply.
Quick Facts
- Organisers: UNDP Nigeria (Accelerator Lab) and the Mastercard Foundation
- Who: innovators aged 18–35 resident in a Cohort 2 state
- Sectors: all sectors welcome
- Cost: free
- Business registration: not required
- Deadline: 18 November 2026
Cohort 1 Results
The first cohort (2023–2025) ran in Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Borno, Ekiti, Kaduna, Kwara and Lagos. It received 9,158 applications, took 1,348 solutions through bootcamp, incubated 205 ventures and created 815 work opportunities. Cohort 2 aims to identify 10,000 innovations, support 1,500 innovators and incubate 400 ventures.
Benefits
- innovation bootcamps in your state to sharpen your problem, business model and pitch
- incubation — hands-on support and resources to build for real customers
- mentorship from experienced professionals and industry experts
- product development support to improve your prototype
- business development training to build a sustainable venture
- market access — links to customers, investors and partners
- funding pathways — exposure to grants and finance opportunities
The programme does not advertise a fixed cash grant. Its main value is training, incubation and connections.
Eligibility
- aged 18 to 35 when you apply
- resident in Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Katsina, Niger, Plateau or Taraba
- an idea that addresses a real problem, which you have started turning into something people can use
- willing to grow your innovation into a sustainable, for-profit venture
Any sector is welcome — agriculture, health, education, climate, manufacturing, digital technology, financial inclusion, renewable energy, the creative economy and more. The programme aims for 80% women and 10% persons with disabilities, and also encourages innovators from underserved communities.
What Reviewers Look For
- potential to create jobs
- your lived experience of the problem
- a for-profit business model
- proof of concept — evidence your solution works
- scalability
- readiness to co-create with others
- community impact
How to Apply
- Check the official eligibility page and confirm you live in a Cohort 2 state.
- Start your application on the Young Africa Innovates application portal.
- Describe the problem, your solution, who uses it now and how it will make money.
- Submit before 18 November 2026 — earlier is better.
- Shortlisted innovators are invited to an in-state bootcamp, then selected ventures move to incubation.
Need help with the form? Email [email protected] or call or message +234 816 947 1572, +234 816 974 6601, +234 816 955 0318 or +234 816 950 3707. The team says someone can take you through the form.
Tips
- Start with a problem you have personally experienced — lived experience is one of the criteria.
- Show proof that it works: users, pilot results, sales or feedback, even if small.
- Explain how the venture can employ others.
- Keep your answers simple and specific; reviewers read thousands of applications.
More Opportunities for Nigerian Innovators
- Open Arts Fund 2026: Up to ₦500,000 for Creatives (Northern Nigeria)
- Catalyst Academy Youth Social Innovation Learning Programme 2026
- How to Apply for YECO 2026/2027: US$10,000 Award Guide
Deadline: 18 November 2026. Visit the official Young Africa Innovates website.
