The UNDP Africa Young Innovates Programme 2026/2027 is open to young Nigerian innovators aged 18–35. Applications run from 1 September to 18 November 2026. This programme supports youth-led solutions through outreach, bootcamp training, incubation, mentorship, market access, and grants.
The programme focuses on innovators who are already testing ideas that solve real problems. In addition, applicants must live in one of the seven Cohort 2 states in Nigeria.
Key Details:
Application Deadline: 1 September – 18 November 2026
Eligible Countries: Nigeria
Host Organization: Young Africa Innovates (UNDP & Mastercard Foundation)
Program Location: Applicants must be resident in one of seven Cohort 2 Nigerian states: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Katsina, Niger, Plateau, Taraba.
Grant Amount: Not specified – please see official page
Project Duration: Call for applications: 1 Sep – 18 Nov 2026. Bootcamp: September–October 2026. Incubation: November 2026 – January 2027. Cohort runs 2026–2027.
About the Grant
The UNDP Africa Young Innovates Programme is a partnership between UNDP and Mastercard Foundation. It identifies, incubates, and helps scale youth-led innovations in Nigeria.
Selected participants move through several stages. First, the programme conducts state-level outreach. Next, shortlisted innovators join a bootcamp. After that, participants receive incubation and market-access support to help them build for customers and connect with capital and partners.
The programme is sector-agnostic. Therefore, solutions from any field can be considered if they address real community problems.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be aged 18–35 at the time of application.
- Applicants must be resident in a Cohort 2 state: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Katsina, Niger, Plateau, or Taraba.
- Applicants must have an idea that solves a real problem and must have started testing it or turning it into something people can use.
- Applications are open to solutions from any sector.
- Review criteria include job-creation potential, lived experience of the problem, for-profit model, proof of concept, scalability, co-creation readiness, and community impact.
- The programme targets emphasize participation by women (80%) and persons with disabilities (10%).
Grant Amount: Not specified – please see official page
Project Duration: Call for applications: 1 Sep – 18 Nov 2026. Bootcamp: September–October 2026. Incubation: November 2026 – January 2027. Cohort runs 2026–2027.
Funding Scope: Technical support, mentorship, grants, bootcamp training, incubation support and market access connections (capital and partners).
How to Apply
Applicants should complete their application through the official programme page. Before you apply, prepare the required details and supporting materials listed on the application platform.
- Name and phone number (WhatsApp number if available)
- State and Local Government Area of residence
- Basic personal information
- Information about the innovation or idea
- Photo or video of the solution (from phone)
- Business registration documents (optional)
- Details of employees (if any)
- Financial statements for the business (if any)
👉 Visit the official grant page for details
