Abuja Investments Company Limited has launched the maiden edition of the Abuja Youth Talent Hunt, a programme aimed at empowering young entrepreneurs with practical skills, resources, and investment opportunities.
The initiative was unveiled on Wednesday by the Group Managing Director of AICL, Ambassador Maureen Tamuno, during the official opening ceremony.
The programme is designed as a five-phase competition to nurture creativity, innovation, and enterprise among youths between the ages of 18 and 35. Running from August 20 to September 24, 2025, the talent hunt will provide over ₦6 million in cash prizes, alongside mentorship, training, and access to investors.
The Abuja Youth Talent Hunt is jointly organised by AICL and the Abuja Enterprise Agency. According to Tamuno, the competition focuses on three critical sectors: Information Technology, Agriculture, and Creative Enterprise.
Participants will benefit from business plan training, pitch presentation coaching, and one-on-one mentorship sessions with experienced investors and industry leaders.
Finalists are expected to present their projects to top business leaders during the Abuja Business Investment Expo scheduled for October 2025. Highlighting the vision behind the initiative, Tamuno said, “This is an initiative which reflects the future we believe in, a future driven by innovation, entrepreneurship, and the boundless creativity of our youth. At AICL, we don’t just give the fish; we teach people how to fish. This is not just about competition, but about opportunity to showcase ideas that can be transformed into impactful businesses.”
She also expressed gratitude to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for his leadership and support for infrastructure development and micro, small and medium enterprises.
Tamuno noted that his commitment continues to inspire AICL’s drive to promote entrepreneurship, economic growth, and youth empowerment in the FCT.
As part of the ceremony, the panel of judges was formally inaugurated, marking the official start of the evaluation process for participants’ innovative ideas.