Young innovators in Akwa Ibom and Cross River States have until Wednesday, November 18, 2026, to apply for Cohort 2 of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Innovates programme, an initiative designed to support Nigerian youths with innovative ideas and early-stage business solutions.
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The programme is open to Nigerians aged 18 to 35 who reside in any of seven participating states and offers opportunities for business incubation, mentorship, market access and potential funding support to transform innovative ideas into sustainable ventures.
Key Highlights
- UNDP and Mastercard Foundation announce Cohort 2 of Young Africa Innovates.
- Application deadline is November 18, 2026.
- Nigerians aged 18 to 35 living in seven eligible states can apply.
- Eligible states include Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Abia, Katsina, Niger, Plateau and Taraba.
- Successful applicants will receive bootcamp training, incubation and mentorship.
- Young women, persons with disabilities and innovators from underserved communities are particularly encouraged to apply.
Young Africa Innovates 2026: What Applicants Should Know
According to UNDP Nigeria’s official announcement, applications for the second cohort of the Young Africa Innovates programme opened on September 1, 2026, and will close on November 18, 2026.
The initiative is a partnership between UNDP and the Mastercard Foundation aimed at empowering young Nigerians to develop innovative solutions, establish sustainable businesses and contribute to economic development.
The seven participating states are Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Katsina, Niger, Plateau and Taraba.
Akwa Ibom is continuing from the first cohort, while Cross River is among the six additional states included in the second cohort.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The programme is open to young Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 35 who currently reside in one of the seven participating states.
UNDP has particularly encouraged applications from young people in underserved communities, women and persons with disabilities.
Applicants do not necessarily need to have an already registered business, as the initiative is designed to help innovators develop ideas and early-stage solutions into viable ventures.
Young people with innovative ideas, prototypes, community-based initiatives and scalable business concepts are encouraged to explore the opportunity.
Importantly, eligibility is based on current residence rather than state of origin. Applicants must live in one of the participating states to qualify.
Benefits of the UNDP–Mastercard Young Africa Innovates Programme
Successful participants will have access to a structured support system designed to help transform innovative ideas into sustainable businesses.
The programme offers several opportunities, including:
- Bootcamp training: Practical learning and business development support.
- Business incubation: Guidance to develop and strengthen innovative ventures.
- Mentorship: Access to experienced professionals and business experts.
- Market access: Opportunities to connect with potential customers and business networks.
- Potential funding support: Opportunities to access grants or other financial support for promising innovations.
According to the programme’s official schedule, the Cohort 2 bootcamp runs from September to October 2026, while the incubation phase is scheduled for November 2026 to January 2027.
The initiative goes beyond providing financial assistance by helping participants test their solutions, improve business models and establish connections that can support long-term growth.
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Why Akwa Ibom and Cross River Innovators Should Apply
The inclusion of Akwa Ibom and Cross River provides young entrepreneurs and innovators in Nigeria’s South-South region with an opportunity to benefit from a national innovation development programme.
For young people in Uyo, Calabar and surrounding communities, the initiative offers access to business support, mentorship, incubation and potential funding opportunities.
The programme is not restricted to technology startups. Innovative solutions addressing agriculture, healthcare, education, climate resilience, waste management, creative industries, digital services and community development could also be relevant.
How to Apply for Young Africa Innovates Cohort 2
Interested applicants are required to complete their applications through the programme’s official application portal.
Applicants should follow these steps:
- Confirm that they are between 18 and 35 years old.
- Ensure they currently reside in one of the seven eligible states.
- Prepare a clear explanation of the problem their innovation seeks to address.
- Describe their proposed solution, target beneficiaries and expected impact.
- Complete the application and consent forms on the official programme portal.
- Submit their applications before the November 18, 2026 deadline.
- Keep their application confirmation for future reference.
Applicants are advised that the application is free and should only be completed through the programme’s official platform. They should avoid individuals demanding payment in exchange for guaranteed selection.
Application Deadline: November 18, 2026
The application deadline for the UNDP–Mastercard Foundation Young Africa Innovates Cohort 2 programme is Wednesday, November 18, 2026.
Eligible applicants are encouraged to complete their submissions before the deadline and carefully review the programme’s requirements.
For many young people, particularly women, persons with disabilities and those from underserved communities, the programme could provide the mentorship, business support and market connections needed to turn promising ideas into successful ventures. For more opportunities and updates, follow us on X.
