The AGRA–SMEDANYouth Agri‑InnovationContest 2026 for young Nigerian agripreneurs.

Application Deadline: 16 October

Applications are now open for the 2026 AGRA–SMEDANYouth Agri‑InnovationContest. Agriculture employs more young Nigerians than any other sector, yet many agripreneurs struggle to reach advice and capital. 

Requirements

• Nigerian youth aged 18 to 35
• Running an agribusiness, or building one
• From any state in Nigeria
• Working in maize, rice, soybean or allied agrifood value chains
• At any stage, from idea to established business

Benefits

• Certified access-to-finance training
• Pitch rounds judged by expert reviewers
• A live Grand Finale and Deal Room with financiers
• Seed capital and support for ten winners
• Six months of mentorship and aftercare for winners

10

winners receive seed capital and support

30

finalists pitch live at the Grand Finale

100+

youths trained in access to finance

6

months of aftercare for winners

Deal Room

Meet the people who fund agribusiness

Banks, development finance institutions, agri-lenders and impact investors.

Showcase

Be seen by financiers

Outstanding innovations are profiled in an Innovation Showcase Register. Every applicant receives feedback.

Training

Certified, in English and Hausa

An eight-module access-to-finance programme that makes youth ventures investable.

Application Timeline:

1. 8 to 16 October: Apply – Apply online in three short stages. Save and continue any time.
2. 17 OctoberNationwide: Training – Virtual training for all applicants.
3. 21 to 22 October : In-person Training – Two days of in-person training in Niger, Nasarawa and Kaduna.
4. 29 October : Pitch & Grand Finale – Hybrid: finalists pitch live, in the room and online.
5. 8 to 10 November: National Showcase & Award – The national showcase and award ceremony in Lagos.

For More Information:

Visit the Official Webpage of the AGRA–SMEDANYouth Agri‑InnovationContest