UNDP
✨ AI Summary
UNDP and the Mastercard Foundation are inviting young Nigerian innovators to apply for the 2026/2027 Young Africa Innovates Programme, which offers training, mentorship, and support to turn ideas into sustainable ventures addressing community challenges.
The UNDP Africa Young Innovates Programme 2026/2027 is an initiative by the United Nations Development Programme in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. It supports young Nigerian innovators aged 18–35 to develop solutions to real-world community challenges and build sustainable ventures. The programme operates across seven eligible states in Nigeria and provides training, mentorship, incubation support, and market-access opportunities to help innovators develop and scale their ideas. What you get • Innovation bootcamps with training on ideas, business models and pitches • Incubation support for developing and testing solutions • Mentorship from experienced professionals and industry experts • Product development support to refine prototypes and improve solutions • Business development training to build viable and sustainable ventures • Market access opportunities to connect with customers, investors and strategic partners • Exposure to potential grants and financing opportunities How to apply 1. Submit an application before the deadline of 18 November 2026 2. Selected applicants will proceed through bootcamp, incubation and market access phases
• Be between 18 and 35 years old at the time of application • Reside in one of the seven eligible states: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Katsina, Niger, Plateau, or Taraba • Have an idea that addresses a real problem and have started developing it • Be willing to develop and improve the innovation into a sustainable venture