About this opportunity
Applications are now open for Cohort 2 of the Young Africa Innovates (YAI) Programme, launched by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.
Young Africa Innovates is a flagship youth innovation initiative that identifies, incubates and scales youth led solutions driving inclusive and sustainable development across Nigeria. Backed by a USD 25.8 million partnership, the programme aims to engage over 10,000 innovators across Nigeria and Ghana over two and a half years, with a strong focus on atypical innovators and underserved groups including young women, persons with disabilities and youth in rural or underserved communities.
Cohort 1 selected 210 young innovators for the Stage Gating phase from thousands of applications nationwide, with State Showcases held across Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Ekiti, Lagos, Borno, Kaduna and Kwara.
Benefits and support
Incubation support to test, validate and scale your solution
- Technical support, mentorship and bootcamps through UNDP Accelerator Labs
- Learning circles and capacity development
- Access to ecosystem partners, government and private sector networks
- Showcase opportunities at state level to pitch solutions and gain visibility
Focus Sectors and States (Cohort 1 reference, Cohort 2 expands the same model)
- Akwa Ibom: Tourism
- Kwara: Creative Economy
- Kaduna: Agriculture
- Anambra: Commerce
- Ekiti: Healthcare
- Lagos: Financial Inclusion
- Borno: Complementary focus on inclusive innovation
- Education is included as a cross cutting priority
Problem statements for each state and sector were developed with government, private sector, civil society, sector experts and innovation hubs to guide targeted solutions.
Eligibility
Young Nigerians with an innovative solution addressing real problems in the focus sectors
- Youth led innovations, especially from atypical actors who do not usually benefit from traditional innovation programmes
- Particular encouragement for young women, persons with disabilities, youth living in rural communities and youth in conflict affected areas
- Applicants aged 18 to 35 at time of national cohort calls (as used in Cohort 1 state level trainings)
Application steps
Apply through the official UNDP Nigeria press release and follow the application link provided there. Use the official application URL and application guidelines. Early application is strongly advised and all entries are screened through the official YAI application form.
The Young Africa Innovates ethos is rooted in inclusivity, ensuring innovators from all walks of life are empowered. Cohort 2 builds on Cohort 1 learnings and expands access to the incubation and scaling pathway.
Always verify
Application timeline
,
Eligibility
and application steps on the official UNDP page before applying, as details for Cohort 2 are updated directly by UNDP Nigeria.
What you receive
- Incubation support to test, validate and scale your solution
- Mentorship and technical support from UNDP Accelerator Labs
- Bootcamps, learning circles and capacity development
- Access to government, private sector and ecosystem networks
- State showcase opportunities to pitch and gain visibility
Who can apply
- Young Nigerian with a youth led innovative solution in one of the focus sectors
- Solution addresses a defined state and sector problem statement
- Open to atypical innovators, especially those underserved by traditional innovation programmes
- Young women, persons with disabilities and youth in rural or underserved communities are strongly encouraged
- Aged 18 to 35 at time of Cohort 1 state calls, expect similar age guidance for Cohort 2, confirm on official page
Documents to prepare
- Completed official YAI application form
- Description of the innovation and problem it solves
- Information on team and implementation capacity where requested in the form
How to apply
- Open the official UNDP Nigeria press release for Cohort 2 using the Official application link
- Read the Cohort 2 call details and problem statements
- Complete the official YAI application form and submit before the deadline published on the official page
Selection process
- Application screening
- Stage Gating phase for shortlisted innovators
- State Showcases and further incubation and scaling support
Sources and verification
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Questions applicants ask
Who funds Young Africa Innovates?
The Young Africa Innovates programme is implemented by UNDP in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation under a USD 25.8 million partnership covering Nigeria and Ghana.
What does the programme provide?
Selected innovators receive incubation, mentorship, technical support, bootcamps, learning circles and showcase opportunities to help test, validate and scale their solutions. It is not a direct cash grant to every applicant, selected teams move through stage gating and scaling phases.
Where do I apply for Cohort 2?
Apply only through the official UNDP Nigeria page linked as the Official source and Official application link on this listing. Do not pay anyone to apply.
Important disclaimer
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