Apply for AGRA–SMEDAN Youth Agri-Innovation Contest with Funding (All States)

The AGRA–SMEDAN Youth Agri-Innovation Contest has opened applications for young Nigerian agripreneurs seeking business training, access to financiers and seed capital to develop agricultural ventures.

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The contest is designed to identify promising youth-led agribusinesses, strengthen their financial readiness and connect participants with potential sources of funding. It is open to applicants from all states of the federation.

The programme is organised by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), alongside partners including Kaduna Business School, Jesnoch International and the Enterprise Development Centre.

According to the programme information, applicants can participate whether they are developing an agribusiness idea or already operating an established venture. The initiative focuses on maize, rice, soybean and allied agrifood value chains.

Participants will receive access-to-finance training through an eight-module programme delivered in English and Hausa. The training is intended to help young entrepreneurs understand financing options and prepare their businesses to attract investment.

The contest will also feature expert-reviewed pitch rounds, with 30 finalists expected to present their ventures at the Grand Finale. A Deal Room will provide opportunities to connect with banks, development finance institutions, agricultural lenders and impact investors.

Ten winners will receive seed capital and support, alongside six months of mentorship and aftercare. Outstanding innovations may also be profiled in an Innovation Showcase Register, while applicants are expected to receive feedback.

The application window opened on October 8 and closes on October 16, 2026. Nationwide virtual training is scheduled for October 17, followed by in-person training from October 21 to 22 in Niger, Nasarawa and Kaduna states.

The pitch and Grand Finale is scheduled for October 29 in a hybrid format, while the National Showcase and Award ceremony is planned for November 8 to 10 in Lagos.

Who can apply

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be Nigerian youths aged 18 to 35.
• Be running an agribusiness or developing an agricultural business idea.
• Reside in any state in Nigeria.
• Operate or develop a venture within maize, rice, soybean or allied agrifood value chains.
• Be at any business stage, from an early idea to an established enterprise.

Women, rural youths and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

How to apply

Interested applicants should complete the online application through the official programme portal at https://www.youthagriinnovate.ng/apply. Applications are open from October 8 to October 16, 2026. Applicants should provide the requested information and follow the instructions on the portal to submit their entries before the deadline.