AGRA-SMEDAN Youth Agri-Innovation Contest 2026 For Young Nigerians

About

The AGRA-SMEDAN Youth Agri-Innovation Contest 2026 is an initiative designed to identify and support young Nigerians building agricultural businesses.

The contest brings together the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and other programme partners. It aims to help young agripreneurs strengthen their businesses, access training and connect with potential financiers.

The opportunity is open to ventures at different stages, including early-stage agricultural businesses and established enterprises.

Who can apply?

Applicants must:

• Be Nigerian youths aged 18 to 35.

- Be running an agribusiness or developing an agricultural business.

- Operate in Nigeria.

- Work in maize, rice, soybean or related agrifood value chains.

- Be willing to participate in the contest's training, pitching and assessment activities.

Applicants from all Nigerian states are eligible. Women, rural youth and persons with disabilities are particularly encouraged to participate.

What does the programme offer?

Selected participants can benefit from:

• Certified access-to-finance training.

- Pitching opportunities assessed by experts.

- A live Grand Finale and Deal Room with financiers.

- Seed capital and support for ten winners.

- Six months of mentorship and post-selection support for winners.

The programme is designed to help agricultural businesses improve their operations and access opportunities for growth.

How to apply

1. Visit the official Youth Agri-Innovation Contest website.

2. Review the eligibility requirements.

3. Complete the online application with accurate information about yourself and your agribusiness.

4. Provide the business details and supporting information requested.

5. Submit your application before the deadline.

Application link:

https://www.youthagriinnovate.ng/apply

Application deadline

16 October 2026.

Applications opened on 8 October 2026. Eligible young agripreneurs should submit their applications promptly

Kindly Follow our WhatsApp channel for timely notification on active scholarships, student grants, essay and poetry contest and related opportunities via: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBZ42aBlHpZfJ6KWv0I