BusinessDay Young Economists Writing Challenge 2027: Win Up to ₦200,000

BusinessDay has opened applications for its 2027 Young Economists Writing Challenge, inviting undergraduate Economics students in Nigerian universities to demonstrate their understanding of economic issues through analytical writing.

The competition provides an opportunity for students to explore important questions about Nigeria's economy, develop their research and writing skills, and have their work published by one of the country's leading business newspapers.

The overall winner will receive ₦200,000, while other top-performing participants will receive cash prizes and additional recognition.

Applications opened on 9 November 2026 and will close on 27 November 2026.

Competition Topics

Participants are required to submit an original article of between 800 and 1,000 words on one of the following topics:

What will it take for Nigeria to become a trillion-dollar economy?

Inflation, jobs or economic growth: Which should be Nigeria's priority?

Can Detty December grow from a festive-season phenomenon into a billion-dollar industry?

Applicants should select one topic and develop a well-researched, coherent and convincing argument.

Prizes and Benefits

The competition offers the following rewards:

• Position/Cash Prize

• Winner ₦200,000

• First Runner-up ₦150,000

• Second Runner-up ₦100,000

  In addition to the cash prizes, winners will receive:

• Publication of their winning entries in BusinessDay.

• A Certificate of Achievement.

• Recognition at a BusinessDay event.

• Publication of their photographs in the newspaper.

Additional opportunity for the overall winner: The first-place winner will receive a one-month internship with BusinessDay journalists and economists, providing exposure to economic research, journalism, writing and editing in a professional newsroom.

Eligibility Requirements

To participate, applicants must:

• Be an undergraduate student studying Economics.
• Be enrolled in a recognised Nigerian university.
• Submit an original article addressing one of the three prescribed topics.
• Ensure the article contains between 800 and 1,000 words.
• Provide valid student identification and the required personal and academic information.

The competition is specifically targeted at undergraduate Economics students in Nigerian universities. Students studying other disciplines should not assume they qualify.

Required Application Information

Applicants should be ready to provide:

• Full name.
• University.
• Department.
• Current academic level.
• Email address.
• Phone number.
• Valid student identification card.
• Original competition article.

How to Apply

Interested and eligible students should:

• Visit the official BusinessDay Young Economists Writing Challenge application page.
• Prepare an original article of 800–1,000 words on one of the three approved topics.
• Complete the online submission form.
• Provide their personal and academic information.
• Upload the article in an accepted document format.
• Upload a valid student identification card.
• Review the information and submit the entry.

Applicants should ensure that their submissions are original and comply with the prescribed word limit.

Important Dates

Activity Date

Application opens 9 November 2026

Application deadline 27 November 2026

Winners announced 5 January 2027

Applicants are encouraged to submit their entries before the closing date.

Application Link

Official BusinessDay Writing Challenge Submission Portal:

https://conferences.businessday.ng/event/writing-challenge/

Organiser: BusinessDay

Students interested in economics, public policy, business and national development can use this competition to demonstrate their analytical abilities and contribute their perspectives to important conversations about Nigeria's economic future.