AGRA and SMEDAN Youth in Agribusiness Innovation Contest
- Country:
- Nigeria
- Amount:
- ₦5,000,000
- Deadline:
- 16 Oct 2026
Funder: AGRA
In short
Nigerians aged 18 to 35 with an agribusiness idea or business can win from ₦1,000,000 up to ₦5,000,000 (₦17 million in total) plus mentorship.
About this opportunity
AGRA and SMEDAN, with Jesnoch International and Plus Incubation Hub, are searching for ten young Nigerians building practical solutions in agriculture, from climate-smart farming and agri-tech to agro-processing, supply chains and agri-finance. Winners share ₦17 million: ₦5,000,000 for first place, ₦3,000,000 and ₦2,000,000 for the runners-up, and ₦1,000,000 each for places four to ten. They also get seed funding support, six months of mentorship and introductions to financiers and buyers. Every verified applicant is invited to a free virtual training day on 17 October, and 30 finalists pitch live in Lagos on 29 October. Prizes are presented at the National MSME Conference in Lagos from 8 to 10 November 2026. The application is individual, and the business must be registered under one of three routes.
Requirements
Nigerian citizen aged 18 to 35 on the closing date
Running or launching an agribusiness, from idea stage to growing enterprise
Business registered with the CAC (business name or company), SMEDAN MSME registration, or registered membership of a cooperative society
Also good to have
- Women, rural youth and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply
- Solution in climate-smart farming, agri-tech, agro-processing, supply chains or agri-finance
Always confirm on the official page before applying.
How to apply
- 1
Open the contest portal
Go to the contest website and complete the online application form.
Open step link - 2
Confirm your business registration
Have your CAC number, SMEDAN MSME registration or cooperative certificate ready. SMEDAN registration is free online at smedan.gov.ng.
- 3
Join the free training day
Verified applicants are invited to a virtual training day on Saturday 17 October 2026.
- 4
Submit before the deadline
Applications close Friday 16 October 2026 at 23:59 WAT. Late or incomplete entries cannot be accepted.
Documents you will need
- CAC certificate
Need help with your proposal?
Our AI assistant will soon help you draft a proposal from this listing's requirements and your business details. Join the waiting list and be first to try it.