Young Africa Innovates Programme 2026: UNDP and Mastercard Foundation Open Applications Across Seven Nigerian States
The Young Africa Innovates Programme 2026, a partnership between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Mastercard Foundation, is inviting applications from young innovators across seven states in Nigeria.
The programme aims to identify, support and scale youth-led innovations that address community challenges, create employment opportunities and contribute to sustainable development.
Cohort 2 (2026–2027) expands the programme to seven states, including six new participating states and Akwa Ibom, which continues from the first cohort.
Young Nigerians aged 18–35 with innovative ideas, solutions or early-stage ventures are encouraged to apply.
Programme Overview
- Programme: Young Africa Innovates
- Organisations: UNDP and Mastercard Foundation
- Country: Nigeria
- Cohort: Cohort 2 (2026–2027)
- Target Group: Young innovators aged 18–35
- Participating States: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Katsina, Niger, Plateau and Taraba
- Application Period: 1 September – 18 November 2026
- Programme Areas: Innovation, entrepreneurship, incubation and market access
About the Young Africa Innovates Programme
Young Africa Innovates is a partnership initiative designed to identify, incubate and scale youth-led innovations across Nigeria.
The programme supports young people who are developing solutions to real problems within their communities. It provides a structured pathway through training, mentorship, venture development and access to markets.
The initiative recognises the potential of young Nigerians to drive economic growth, create employment and develop solutions to pressing social and economic challenges.
Cohort 2 builds on the achievements of the first cohort, expanding opportunities to innovators in seven states.
Participating States
The 2026–2027 cohort is open to applicants residing in the following states:
- Abia
- Akwa Ibom
- Cross River
- Katsina
- Niger
- Plateau
- Taraba
Six states are new to Cohort 2, while Akwa Ibom continues from Cohort 1.
Applicants must be residents of one of these seven participating states.
Programme Achievements
The first cohort demonstrated the potential of youth-led innovation in Nigeria.
According to the programme, Cohort 1 achieved:
- 9,158 applications received.
- 1,348 solutions taken through Bootcamp.
- 205 ventures incubated.
- 815 work opportunities created.
These achievements provide the foundation for the expanded second cohort.
Programme Targets for 2026–2027
The second cohort aims to achieve the following:
| Target Area | Programme Target |
|---|---|
| Innovations identified | 10,000 |
| Innovators capacity-supported | 1,500 |
| Ventures incubated | 400 |
The programme also aims to ensure inclusive participation, targeting 80% participation by women and 10% by persons with disabilities.
How the Programme Works
Young Africa Innovates follows a five-pillar pathway designed to take innovations from initial ideas to market-ready ventures.
1. Ecosystem Activation
The programme engages stakeholders at state level to create an enabling environment for young innovators.
2. Pipeline Activation
A state-wide application process identifies youth-led solutions from different communities.
3. Bootcamp
Shortlisted innovators participate in intensive training to strengthen their problem identification, business models and pitching skills.
4. Incubation
Selected ventures receive practical support, mentorship and resources to develop their solutions and build relationships with real customers.
5. Market Access
Graduating ventures are connected to markets, capital and potential partners to support their growth and expansion.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Young Africa Innovates Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. Age Requirement
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application.
2. Residency Requirement
Applicants must reside in one of the seven participating states:
- Abia
- Akwa Ibom
- Cross River
- Katsina
- Niger
- Plateau
- Taraba
3. Innovation Sector
The programme is sector-agnostic. This means young innovators from different sectors and fields are welcome to submit their solutions.
What the Selection Process Considers
In addition to the basic eligibility requirements, reviewers consider several factors when assessing applications, including:
- Potential for job creation.
- The applicant’s lived experience of the problem being addressed.
- A viable for-profit business model.
- Evidence of proof of concept.
- Potential for scalability.
- Readiness to participate in co-creation.
- Potential community impact.
Applicants should clearly explain the problem their innovation addresses, how their solution works and the potential benefits for their communities.
Application Timeline
The programme outlines three main stages:
Stage 1: Call for Applications
1 September – 18 November 2026.
Eligible young innovators are invited to submit their innovations online.
Stage 2: Bootcamp
September – October 2026.
Shortlisted innovators participate in state-level training to refine their solutions, business models and pitches.
Stage 3: Incubation
November 2026 – January 2027.
Selected ventures receive hands-on support to develop their products and services for customers and markets.
How to Apply
Young innovators who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to submit their applications during the official application window.
Applicants should ensure that their innovations demonstrate a clear understanding of the problem being addressed, potential community impact and opportunities for growth.
Application Deadline: 18 November 2026.
Applications are open to eligible innovators residing in Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Katsina, Niger, Plateau and Taraba.
For further information and application instructions, visit the official Young Africa Innovates Programme website through UNDP Nigeria.
Programme Partners: United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Mastercard Foundation.
