Job Description
The Young Africa Innovates is a partnership programme between UNDP and Mastercard Foundation with the aim to identify, incubate and scale youth-led innovations across Nigeria. The programme anchors five (5) key pillars which are ecosystem activation, pipeline activation, bootcamp, incubation and market access.
- Ecosystem Activation: This resonates at the state level with the aim to create an enabling environment for young innovators through engagement that rallies ecosystem partners.
- Pipeline Activation: This is a call for application across the states eligible for the programme to foster youth-led solution for every community.
- Bootcamp: This is the train state that happens within the state to spot the problem, orchestrate busines model and then pitch etc.
- Incubation: Eligible venues selected for the programme will be given real-time support like mentorship and relevant resources to advance the building and actualization process.
- Market Access: Ventures/enterprises that sail through the incubation stage shall be given an avenue to connect with the markets, capital and also partners that will help them grow beyond their state.
Who Can Apply for Young Africa Innovates Programme 2026?
Application for Young Africa Innovates programme is open to persons within 18 – 35 years which includes; Men, Women, Youths, Persons with disabilities, and those in rural areas who hail from the following states:
- Abia
- Akwa Ibom
- Cross River
- Katsina
- Niger
- Plateau
- Taraba
Ideation: Applicant must have an idea that tackles a real-time problem and have already started the process of converting the idea into something people can see or relate with.
Sector: Irrespective of your discipline, ICT, Business, Entrepreneuriship etc. you’re very much welcome to apply.
Requirements for Application
- Applicant must be at least 18 years and not more than 35.
- Must currently reside in one of the approved states.
- Should have a valid phone number (preferably WhatsApp registered number)
- State Certificate of Origin or Local Government Area.
- Idea that solve real-time issues.
- A photograph or video recording of your solution taken on your phone.
Benefits
The benefits gained by cohort 1 participants of the Young Africa Innovates Programme 2026 includes:
- Training, mentorship, technical and financial assistant (grants).
- Partnership and collaborative opportunities.
- Business and market access support for greater reach.
Note: To ensure your application stands out, include job creation prospect, lived experience of the problem, profit model, proof of concept, scalability, co-creation readiness and community impact etc.
Deadline: September 30, 2026
Discussion