The Africa Institute for Innovation and Development, AIIDEV, has announced that applications are now open for the RecycleUp Innovation Programme 2026 Cohort. The initiative is a platform created to empower young innovators and entrepreneurs who are environmentally conscious and ready to tackle Nigeria’s growing waste challenges. According to the announcement, the programme provides knowledge, resources, and support to help participants build solutions that can drive the country toward a circular economy.
AIIDEV explained that RecycleUp adopts what it called a multi-faceted approach aimed at solving environmental problems while creating new opportunities for entrepreneurship, employment, and sustainable development. The programme is targeted at contributing to a cleaner, more prosperous, and environmentally responsible Nigeria.
RecycleUp aims to accelerate the country’s transition to a circular economy by promoting large-scale adoption of sustainable waste management and circular innovations. They highlighted key focus sectors such as Built Environment, Organic Material and Biowaste, Energy, Electronics and ICT, Packaging and Plastics, Textiles, Water, and Food and Agriculture.
According to the information released, the programme has several core objectives. It plans to equip 1,000 aspiring entrepreneurs with skills and resources to develop and scale circular economy solutions. It also aims to advocate for widespread adoption of recycling and sustainable practices across all 36 states, engaging millions of households and businesses. Another objective is to support the creation of circular businesses that generate jobs and economic value. AIIDEV added that an important goal is building a collaborative ecosystem that connects entrepreneurs, experts, policymakers, and mentors.
The programme is open to students, researchers, innovators, entrepreneurs, households, and organisations interested in circular economy and sustainable waste management.
AIIDEV listed the benefits for participants, stating that successful fellows will receive a certificate of excellence at the end of the programme. It added that participants will have opportunities to network with industry professionals, researchers, policymakers, and other fellows through conferences, workshops, and events. The programme also offers access to training materials, recognition for best performing participants, and the chance to develop business ideas that could grow into full careers. It stated that innovative solutions from fellows will be showcased on different platforms.
To qualify, applicants must be Nigerians aged 21 to 40. They must show genuine interest in the circular economy, demonstrate leadership potential, commit at least five hours weekly, and have reliable internet access and necessary devices.
AIIDEV said the application deadline for the 2026 cohort is 17th January 2025, while selected applicants will be enrolled by February 2026.
Interested individuals can apply through the link provided on https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScVpCyAxeNx4P24qXympbkrNBrIpBRdpr7-76dbAng9rVgR-Q/viewform.
