AGRA–SMEDAN Youth Agri‑Innovation Contest 2026 for Nigerian Agripreneurs (Seed capital, Mentorship + Training)

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Applications are open for AGRA–SMEDAN Youth Agri‑Innovation Contest 2026. Agriculture employs more young Nigerians than any other sector, yet many agripreneurs struggle to reach advice and capital. We find the strongest youth-led ideas, train them, and put them in front of financiers. The AGRA–SMEDAN Youth Agri-Innovation Contest has opened applications for young Nigerian agripreneurs seeking business training, access to financiers and seed capital to develop agricultural ventures.

The contest is designed to identify promising youth-led agribusinesses, strengthen their financial readiness and connect participants with potential sources of funding. It is open to applicants from all states of the federation.

The programme is organised by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), alongside partners including Kaduna Business School, Jesnoch International and the Enterprise Development Centre.

What The Programme Provides:

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

AGRA–SMEDAN Youth Agri‑Innovation Contest Benefits

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.

Focus Areas

Four value chains, one goal.

Maize: From field to feed mill
Rice: Paddy to milled grain
Soybean: Protein and value addition
Allied commodities: Other agrifood value chains

Eligibility Criteria for AGRA–SMEDAN Youth Agri‑Innovation Contest

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

Women, rural youth and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Application Timeline:

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