Deadline: October 16, 2026
Applications are open for the 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. The contest finds the strongest youth-led ideas, train them, and put them in front of financiers.
The focus areas include:
- Maize: From field to feed mill
- Rice: Paddy to milled grain
- Soybean: Protein and value addition
- Allied commodities: Other agrifood value chains
Benefits
The program 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
Eligibility
- Open to 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
For more information, visit AGRA–SMEDAN Youth Agri‑Innovation Contest.
