Young Africa Innovates Programme Cohort 2 (2026–2027): Apply for Innovation Support, Mentorship and Incubation

Young Nigerian innovators with solutions to real-world problems can apply for the second cohort of the Young Africa Innovates (YAI) Programme, an initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.

The programme supports young people developing innovative solutions to community challenges by providing entrepreneurship training, mentorship, incubation and opportunities to develop their ideas into sustainable ventures.

Benefits of the Young Africa Innovates Programme

Selected participants may receive the following support:

• Innovation and entrepreneurship training: Develop the skills required to build and manage a sustainable venture.
• Mentorship: Receive guidance from experienced professionals and innovation practitioners.
• Business incubation: Get support to develop and strengthen an innovative solution.
• Product and prototype development: Improve and refine a proposed solution or existing prototype.
• Business advisory services: Strengthen business models and strategies for reaching customers.
• Commercialisation support: Prepare innovations for the market and explore opportunities for growth.
• Networking opportunities: Connect with innovation hubs, potential partners, investors and other entrepreneurs.
• Access to funding opportunities: Gain exposure to potential grants, financing pathways and investment opportunities.

Eligibility Requirements To be eligible for the Young Africa Innovates Programme Cohort 2, applicants must meet the following requirements:

1. Age: Be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application.
2. Residence: Currently reside in one of the seven eligible states.
3. Innovation: Have an idea that solves a real problem and have started turning it into something people can use.
4. Sector: Develop a solution in any sector, including agriculture, education, healthcare, renewable energy, manufacturing, climate action, financial inclusion, digital technology and the creative economy.

Eligible State Applications are open to residents of the following states:

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

Can You Apply Without a Registered Business? Yes. Applicants do not need to have a formally registered business to apply.

However, having only a business name or a general ambition to establish a company is not sufficient. Applicants should have a clear idea that addresses a specific problem and should have begun developing their proposed solution.

A drawing, photograph, prototype or other evidence of the idea may help communicate the solution during the application process.

Reviewers also consider factors such as the problem being addressed, potential community impact, scalability, job creation prospects and evidence of progress.

Required Documents and Application Materials Interested applicants should prepare the following:

• National Identification Number (NIN).
• A photograph of an accepted identity document, such as a NIN slip, voter's card, driver's licence or international passport.
• A valid email address.
• Phone number and WhatsApp number.
• State and Local Government Area of residence.
• A one-minute video explaining the proposed solution.
• A photograph, drawing or PDF showing the idea or prototype.

How to Apply for the Young Africa Innovates Programme Interested and eligible applicants should follow these steps:

1. Visit the official programme website.
2. Review the eligibility requirements and application guidelines.
3. Prepare the required identification documents, video and visual evidence of the proposed solution.
4. Complete the online application form with accurate information.
5. Submit the application before the deadline.

Application Portal:

https://youngafricainnovates.ng/

Eligibility Guidelines:

https://youngafricainnovates.ng/can-i-apply

Application Deadline

18 November 2026

Important Information:

Interested applicants should consult the official programme website to confirm their eligibility and complete the application.

Applications are open to eligible innovators aged 18–35 who reside in one of the seven participating states. Applicants do not need to have a registered business, but they must have an idea that addresses a real problem and have started developing it into something people can use.

These benefits depend on the programme stage and selection. Funding is not guaranteed to every applicant.

The programme particularly seeks to make innovation support accessible to underserved communities, young women and persons with disabilities.

Applicants must live in one of these seven states. Being a Nigerian citizen or having previously lived in an eligible state does not, by itself, satisfy the residence requirement.

Applicants can complete the application using a mobile phone. The programme's application system also allows applicants to save their progress and return to complete the form later.