OPay’s National Innovation Challenge 2026 aims to empower Nigeria’s undergraduates by fostering tech innovation that impacts Africa. This initiative builds on a ₦1.2 billion scholarship commitment and combines financial aid, mentorship, job placement, and professional skill development. Its objectives include enhancing digital and problem-solving skills, promoting impactful technology solutions across sectors like healthcare and agriculture, and connecting talented individuals with opportunities in Africa’s tech ecosystem.
Application Deadline:
- 14 June 2026
Tell Me About the Challenge:
The OPay Innovation Challenge is a national competition empowering Nigerian undergraduates to design tech solutions with real social impact.
It builds on OPay’s ₦1.2 billion, 10-year scholarship commitment, combining financial aid, skill-building, mentorship, and job placement opportunities. The challenge identifies top talent and equips them to become Africa’s next generation of technovators.
Innovation Themes:
Participants can innovate across:
- Fintech & Digital Payments
- Healthtech
- Cybersecurity & Data Protection
- Edtech
- AI & Automation for Social Good
- Climate & Sustainability Solutions
- Agritech
- Digital Tools for SMEs
Type:
- Innovation Competition | Nigeria | Grants + Scholarships + Mentorship
Who can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be undergraduate students in Nigerian tertiary institutions.
- Demonstrate proficiency in AI-assisted design (Canva-Gemini workflow).
- Have minimum CGPA:
- 2.8/4 (Colleges/Polytechnics).
- 3.5/5 (Universities, Second-Class Upper).
- Preferably demonstrate financial hardship.
How are Candidates Selected?
- May–June: Applications & screening (100,000+ expected; 48 teams shortlisted).
- June–August: Webinars + exam (30 questions, 30 minutes). Top 10 teams advance.
- August–September: 6-week virtual bootcamp with OPay experts.
- July–December: Mentorship, internships, job placements.
- 6 November 2026: Grand Finale at Empowering Futures Conference 2.0 (top 4 teams pitch to industry leaders and investors).
Which Countries Are Eligible?
- Nigeria only.
Where will the Challenge be Taken?
- Nigeria (virtual + in-person finale in November 2026).
How Many Awards?
- Top 3 teams receive major grants and scholarships.
What is the Benefit of the Challenge?
- 1st Place: ₦10,000,000 project grant + ₦300,000 scholarship + mentorship + job opportunity.
- 2nd Place: ₦5,000,000 project grant + ₦300,000 scholarship + fellowship + advisory support.
- 3rd Place: ₦3,000,000 project grant + ₦300,000 scholarship + fellowship.
- Certificates, national media features, and prototype development support.
How Long Will the Challenge Last?
- Runs from May–November 2026 (Grand Finale on 6 November).
Required Documents:
- Application form (submitted online).
- Project proposal (PDF, JPEG, or MP4, max 10MB).
- Academic transcripts (CGPA proof).
How to Apply:
- Visit the OPay Innovation Challenge portal.
- Click Apply Now and complete the form.
- Upload required documents.
- Submit by 14 June 2026.
Visit the Application Webpage for Details
