Young Africa Innovates Programme has officially announced the names of the young innovators advancing to the Stage Gating Phase, a major milestone under the Mastercard Foundation and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) initiative. The programme is aimed at empowering young Nigerians to develop solutions that address critical social and economic challenges across the country.
According to organisers, over 1,000 young innovators took part in intensive statewide bootcamps before 210 participants were selected to move forward. “These exceptional individuals represent the next generation of problem-solvers; young Nigerians who are not only envisioning a better future but actively building the tools to achieve it,” the announcement noted.
The selected innovators come from seven states: Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Borno, Ekiti, Kaduna, Kwara and Lagos. Each of these states was chosen for its strategic importance and sectoral potential. The participants are working across six critical sectors including education, healthcare, financial inclusion, commerce, tourism, and the creative economy. Their projects range from providing solar energy solutions to underserved communities in Borno, improving healthcare access in Ekiti, to developing digital commerce platforms in Anambra.
The Stage Gating Phase is designed as a 5-month incubation journey running from August to December 2025. During this period, participants will undergo a structured programme that includes one-on-one mentorship from industry experts, technical workshops on product development and market testing, and peer learning circles to foster collaboration. They will also have the opportunity to present their solutions at state-level innovation showcases. In addition, financial support has been made available to help scale their projects.
Programme managers explained that the incubation journey is not only about refining ideas but also about linking participants with networks of partners, investors, and changemakers. “The Stage Gating Phase equips young innovators to grow their solutions and connects them to a broader ecosystem across Nigeria and Africa,” organisers stated.
The selection of the 210 beneficiaries was carried out through a three-step process. This included facilitator assessments at the bootcamps in all seven states, a UNDP review of top-performing solutions, and final approval by Independent State Steering Committees.
Young Africa Innovates is designed to catalyse youth-led innovation that drives socio-economic transformation in Nigeria. By focusing on young people, especially from traditionally marginalised communities, the programme seeks to ensure that no one is left behind. “Through their ideas, resilience and boldness, these young innovators remind us that Africa’s future will be built by the hands of its youth,” organisers added.
With the support of the Mastercard Foundation and UNDP, the programme is building a platform where inclusive, scalable innovation can thrive, creating dignified work opportunities and long-term impact for communities across Nigeria.