The DOWA x ConnectED Diaspora Startup Challenge 2025 has opened applications for young innovators of Nigerian descent, both at home and abroad. Organized by Doing Good Work in Africa (DOWA) in partnership with ConnectED Diaspora and NiDCOM’s Homestrings Program, the initiative aims to support the next leading business-tech start-up in Nigeria.
It is designed to “build, break and believe in Nigeria” by identifying and empowering young people with feasible, scalable, and tech-driven solutions that address important local challenges while shaping industries and communities.
The challenge offers cash prizes, mentorship, and networking opportunities. First place receives N1 million, second place earns N500,000, and third place gets N300,000. Winners living outside Nigeria will get the dollar equivalent of the prize money.
Participants will also have the chance to present their ideas at the ConnectED Diaspora “Building, Breaking & Believing” event. They will gain access to valuable networks and are guaranteed a spot in the 2026 in-person Summer Internship with a tech organisation.
The competition targets undergraduates, graduates, and recent graduates who are tech thinkers and bold problem solvers. Applicants in the diaspora and those in Nigeria are eligible and may apply individually or as a team of two.
Applicants must submit a two-page business ideation brief written in English using Times New Roman, size 12, spacing 1.15, in .docx format along with a graphic image visually representing the idea.
Submission closes on December 12, 2025.
Interested candidates can apply using the link https://forms.gle/LBGGXdrycVfwkVHK9.
