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.
Application Deadline:
- 18 November 2026 (Call for applications opened on 1 September 2026).
Tell Me About The Program:
The Young Africa Innovates (YAI) Programme is a strategic partnership between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Mastercard Foundation. Operating across Nigeria, Cohort 2 (2026–2027) identifies, incubates, and scales youth-led, grassroots innovations that address pressing socio-economic challenges. Through a structured 5-pillar pathway—spanning ecosystem activation, pipeline activation, intensive bootcamps, venture incubation, and market access—the initiative transforms local ideas into sustainable, job-creating enterprises.
Which Fields are Eligible:
- Sector-Agnostic: Open to innovations across all fields, including Agriculture, Healthcare, Education, Climate Action, Manufacturing, Digital Technology, Financial Inclusion, Renewable Energy, and the Creative Economy.
Type:
Youth Innovation Grant, Venture Incubation & Acceleration Fellowship
Who can Apply:
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be aged 18 to 35 years old at the time of application.
- Residency: Must currently reside in one of the seven designated Cohort 2 states in Nigeria (Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Katsina, Niger, Plateau, or Taraba).
- Project Stage: Must have a youth-led idea or proof of concept that addresses a real-world community challenge and shows potential for commercial viability or social impact. (Note: Business registration is NOT required to apply).
- Inclusion Targets: The programme actively prioritizes inclusion, targeting 80% participation by women and 10% participation by persons with disabilities (PWDs).
How are Applicants Selected:
Reviewers evaluate submissions against core venture criteria:
- Proof of concept and lived experience of the problem.
- Job creation prospect and community impact.
- For-profit/sustainable business model viability.
- Scalability and co-creation readiness.
- Shortlisted applicants proceed to in-state Bootcamps before final stage-gating into the Incubation phase.
Which Countries Are Eligible:
Nigeria (Specifically targeting 7 participating states: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Katsina, Niger, Plateau, and Taraba).
Where will the Program be Taken:
In-state innovation hubs, bootcamps, and incubation centers across the 7 participating Nigerian states.
How Many Fellows / Grantees:
- Capacity Building: 1,500 innovators supported through Bootcamp.
- Incubation Cohort: 400 ventures selected for full incubation and market access.
What is the Benefit of the Program:
- Innovation Bootcamps: Intensive in-state training to refine problem framing, business models, and investor pitches.
- Hands-on Incubation: Direct technical assistance, product prototyping support, and business development resources.
- Mentorship: Expert guidance from industry leaders, tech hub networks, and UNDP specialists.
- Market Access & Funding: Exposure to potential grant funding, investors, corporate partners, and customer networks to scale beyond state borders.
How Long Will it Last:
Multi-stage program running from September 2026 through January 2027 (Bootcamp: Sept–Oct 2026; Incubation: Nov 2026–Jan 2027), followed by ongoing scaling support.
How to Apply:
- Confirm that you are aged 18–35 and resident in one of the 7 eligible states (Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Katsina, Niger, Plateau, Taraba).
- Access the online application portal via the official program platform.
- Complete the online form detailing your innovation, proof of concept, target audience, and community impact.
- Submit your application prior to the cutoff date on 18 November 2026.
- For application assistance or telephone guidance, contact the YAI helpline numbers (
+234 816 947 1572,+234 816 974 6601,+234 816 955 0318, or+234 816 950 3707).
👉 Visit the official grant page for details
