AGRA, SMEDAN Youth Agri-Innovation Contest 2026 For Young Nigerians

AGRA, SMEDAN Youth Agri-Innovation Contest 2026 for Young Nigerians

Brief Description

The 2026 AGRA, SMEDAN Youth Agri-Innovation Contest is now accepting applications from ambitious young entrepreneurs building or running agricultural ventures across Nigeria. Organised by AGRA in partnership with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), this initiative addresses the critical gap in finance and expert advice facing early-stage agricultural ventures. If you are operating in the agrifood sector, this initiative provides access-to-finance training, connection to major agri-lenders, live pitch opportunities, seed capital funding, and long-term mentorship.

Name of Host Institution

AGRA and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN)

Requirements/Eligibility Criteria

Must be a Nigerian youth aged 18 to 35.
Must be running an agribusiness or actively building one from any state in Nigeria.
Must operate within maize, rice, soybean, or allied agrifood value chains.
Open to ventures at any stage, from idea to established business.

Benefits

Certified access-to-finance training featuring an eight-module programme delivered in English and Hausa.
Opportunity for 30 finalists to pitch live at a hybrid Grand Finale in front of banks, development finance institutions, and impact investors.
Seed capital and operational support for 10 selected winners.
Six months of mentorship and aftercare for winners.
Inclusion in an Innovation Showcase Register for outstanding solutions, with tailored feedback provided to every applicant.

Application Timeline

8 to 16 October 2026: Online Application Window
17 October 2026: Virtual Nationwide Training for all applicants
21 to 22 October 2026: In-Person Training in Niger, Nasarawa, and Kaduna
29 October 2026: Hybrid Pitch & Grand Finale
8 to 10 November 2026: National Showcase & Award Ceremony in Lagos

Deadline

16 October 2026

Apply Now

💡 Quick FAQ & IntelligenceTap to Expand

Q: Who is eligible to apply for the AGRA, SMEDAN Youth Agri-Innovation Contest 2026?

Q: What support do the winners of the contest receive?

Ten winners will receive seed capital funding, direct operational support, and six months of dedicated mentorship and aftercare.

Q: Is the access-to-finance training open to all applicants?

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Yes, all applicants gain access to virtual training starting October 17, 2026, which includes a certified eight-module access-to-finance course delivered in English and Hausa.