The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is accepting applications for the second cohort of its Young Africa Innovates (YAI) programme, offering young Nigerians support to develop ideas into sustainable ventures.
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The initiative is designed to help innovators refine solutions, build viable ventures and create opportunities within their communities.
The 2026–2027 programme is open to applicants aged 18 to 35 who live in Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Katsina, Niger, Plateau or Taraba State.
Applicants must have an idea that addresses a real problem and must have started developing or testing a solution. The opportunity is open to all sectors, including agriculture, education, healthcare, climate action, manufacturing, digital technology, financial inclusion, renewable energy and the creative economy.
The programme aims to identify 10,000 innovations, provide capacity-building support to 1,500 innovators and take 400 ventures through incubation.
Selected participants can receive bootcamp training, mentorship, technical assistance, product development support and help connecting with customers and markets. The programme also provides financial support through grants to selected innovators as they progress through its stages. However, the organisers have not announced a fixed grant amount for every participant.
Young women, persons with disabilities and innovators from underserved communities are particularly encouraged to apply. Applicants do not need to have a registered business to qualify.
How to apply
Interested applicants should visit the official Young Africa Innovates website at https://youngafricainnovates.ng/ and review the eligibility requirements before submitting an application through the online portal. Applicants should prepare their National Identification Number (NIN), contact details, residential information and a short video explaining their solution. They may also need a photo, drawing or PDF showing their idea or prototype.
Applications close on November 18, 2026. Only residents of the seven participating states who meet the age and innovation requirements are eligible.
