The UNDP Africa Young Innovates Programme 2026/2027 for young Nigerian Innovators

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Application Deadline: – 18 November 2026

Applications are now open for the 2026/2027 UNDP Africa Young Innovates Programme. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has opened applications for Cohort 2 of the Young Africa Innovates (YAI) Programme, supporting young Nigerian innovators to turn ideas into sustainable ventures that address real-world challenges.

The 2026/2027 programme will support innovators across seven states, providing training, mentorship, incubation and market-access opportunities to help them develop and scale their solutions.

The Young Africa Innovates Programme provides young Nigerians with an opportunity to develop solutions to challenges in their communities while building sustainable ventures. By combining technical support, mentorship and market connections, the initiative aims to strengthen youth-led innovation, encourage job creation and contribute to inclusive economic growth.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application.
• Reside in one of the seven eligible states.
• Have an idea that addresses a real problem and have started developing it into something people can use.
• Be willing to develop and improve their innovation into a sustainable venture.

Benefits

Selected innovators may receive:

• Innovation bootcamps: Training to strengthen their ideas, business models and pitches.
• Incubation support: Practical assistance to develop and test their solutions.
• Mentorship: Guidance from experienced professionals and industry experts.
• Product development: Support to refine prototypes and improve solutions.
• Business development: Training to build viable and sustainable ventures.
• Market access: Opportunities to connect with customers, investors and strategic partners.
• Funding pathways: Exposure to potential grants and financing opportunities.

The programme follows a pathway from application and selection to bootcamp, incubation and market access.

Eligible States

Applications are open to residents of:

• Abia
• Akwa Ibom
• Cross River
• Katsina
• Niger
• Plateau
• Taraba

Applicants must reside in one of these states to be eligible.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the UNDP Africa Young Innovates Programme