Scholarship Overview
Overview
The AGRA–SMEDAN Youth Agri-Innovation Contest 2026 is a competitive programme designed to find, fund and scale youth-led agricultural enterprises in Nigeria. Jointly implemented by the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), the initiative addresses a critical gap: young Nigerians dominate agricultural employment yet struggle to access finance and business guidance.
The programme combines a contest structure with intensive classroom training. Applicants progress through virtual and in-person education modules, culminating in a Grand Finale where finalists pitch to banks, development finance institutions, agri-lenders and impact investors. Ten winners receive seed capital and six months of structured aftercare.
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Who Can Apply
Eligibility is deliberately inclusive to reach agripreneurs regardless of formal business status or location.
- Age: 18 to 35 years old
- Nationality: Nigerian citizens from any of the 36 states and FCT
- Business stage: From early idea to established operation
- Sector focus: Maize, rice, soybean, or allied agrifood value chains
- Status: Running an agribusiness or actively building one
Women, rural youth and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Business registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) is not mandatory, though registered applicants should provide their CAC number.
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Programme Benefits
The contest offers concrete, measurable outcomes rather than vague promises of “exposure.”
- Training: Certified access-to-finance programme delivered in English and Hausa, comprising eight modules designed to make youth ventures investable
- Finalist opportunities: 30 finalists pitch live at the hybrid Grand Finale and Deal Room
- Seed capital: Awarded to 10 winners (specific amount not published)
- Aftercare: Six months of mentorship and structured support for winners
- Innovation Showcase: Outstanding innovations profiled in a public register; all applicants receive feedback on their submissions
- Investor access: Direct engagement with banks, DFIs, agri-lenders and impact investors through the Deal Room
Focus Value Chains
Applications must align with one of four categories:
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- Maize: From field cultivation to feed mill processing
- Rice: Paddy production through milled grain
- Soybean: Protein production and value-added processing
- Allied commodities: Other agrifood value chains with clear agricultural linkages
Application Timeline and Process
The programme moves rapidly from application to award. Mark these dates carefully.
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 8 October 2026 | Applications open |
| 16 October 2026 | Applications close |
| 17 October 2026 | Nationwide virtual training for all applicants |
| 21–22 October 2026 | In-person training in Niger, Nasarawa and Kaduna states |
| 29 October 2026 | Pitch rounds and Grand Finale (hybrid format) |
| 8–10 November 2026 | National Showcase and Award Ceremony in Lagos |
How to Apply
- Access the online application portal once applications open on 8 October 2026
- Complete the three-stage application form, providing details on your agribusiness, team, and value chain focus
- Use “Save progress” at any time to pause and resume; responses are stored locally on your device
- Submit before the 16 October 2026 deadline
- Retain your application reference number for all programme communications
Submission does not guarantee selection. The programme team reviews all applications and notifies successful candidates for subsequent stages.
Training and Support Structure
Unlike contests that offer only prize money, this programme invests in human capital. All applicants receive virtual training on 17 October 2026, covering fundamentals of accessing finance for agricultural enterprises. Selected participants then attend intensive two-day in-person sessions in Niger, Nasarawa and Kaduna, gaining practical skills to prepare investor-ready pitches.
The Deal Room component distinguishes this programme from typical business plan competitions. Finalists present directly to active financiers, creating pathways to debt, equity or grant funding beyond the contest’s own seed capital awards.
Call for Experts
The programme separately recruits experienced professionals to serve as mentors, judges and reviewers. Individuals with backgrounds in agribusiness, finance or enterprise support may apply through the “Call for Experts” channel.
Contact and Further Information
For questions not addressed in programme materials, contact: youthagriinnovate@gmail.com
When emailing, include your application reference number if your inquiry relates to a submitted application.
Official scholarship page: https://www.youthagriinnovate.ng/
