AGRA, SMEDAN Open ₦5m Agribusiness Innovation Contest for Nigerian Youths

News in Brief:

— AGRA, SMEDAN and partners have opened applications for a youth in agribusiness contest, offering winners up to ₦5 million each in funding and business support.

— Nigerians aged 18–35 can apply by October 16, 2026, with opportunities spanning agritech, agroprocessing, climate-smart farming and other agricultural innovations.

The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) have opened applications for a national agribusiness innovation contest offering young Nigerians up to ₦5 million in seed funding.

The National Youth in Agribusiness Innovation Contest is organised in partnership with Jesnoch International and Plus Incubation Hub to support young entrepreneurs developing practical solutions across Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.

Applications opened on October 8 and close on October 16, 2026. Nigerians aged 18 to 35 are eligible to participate regardless of their state of residence or business registration status.

According to the organisers, the initiative targets youth-led ventures at the idea, prototype, early-stage and growth stages. There is a special focus on innovations that can improve agricultural productivity, strengthen food systems and create jobs.

Contest Offers ₦5m Funding and Business Support

The competition will select 10 winners to receive seed funding, incubation support, six months of mentorship and introductions to potential financiers and buyers.

The overall winner will receive ₦5 million, the first runner-up gets ₦3 million and the second runner-up ₦2 million. The remaining seven winners, from fourth to tenth position, will each receive ₦1 million.

Thirty finalists will pitch their innovations at the grand finale on October 29, while more than 100 young entrepreneurs are expected to receive training on accessing finance.

The programme also includes an eight-module access-to-finance course delivered in English and Hausa. In addition, there is a 'deal room' connecting entrepreneurs with banks, development finance institutions, agricultural lenders and impact investors.

Applicants will receive feedback, while outstanding innovations will be featured in an Innovation Showcase Register to improve their visibility to potential investors.

Who Can Apply and Key Dates

Eligible innovations include climate-smart farming, agricultural technology, agroprocessing, supply chains, agricultural finance, insurance and farm security.

Applicants do not need to own farmland, provide collateral or have a finished product. Business registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is also not compulsory.

Nationwide virtual training is scheduled for October 17, and two-day in-person training in Niger, Nasarawa, and Kaduna states between October 21 and 22.

The national showcase and award ceremony will take place in Lagos from November 8 to 10, 2026, during the MSMEs Conference.

Women, rural youth and persons with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply.

Interested applicants can apply through this LINK.