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

Application Deadline: 16 October

Applications at the moment are open for the 2026 AGRA–SMEDANYouth Agri‑InnovationContest. Agriculture employs extra young Nigerians than another sector, but many agripreneurs wrestle to achieve recommendation and capital. 

Requirements

• Nigerian youth aged 18 to 35
• Running an agribusiness, or constructing one
• From any state in Nigeria
• Working in maize, rice, soybean or allied agrifood worth chains
• At any stage, from concept to established enterprise

Benefits

• Certified access-to-finance coaching
• Pitch rounds judged by knowledgeable reviewers
• A dwell Grand Finale and Deal Room with financiers
• Seed capital and help for ten winners
• Six months of mentorship and aftercare for winners

10

winners obtain seed capital and help

30

finalists pitch dwell on the Grand Finale

100+

youths educated in entry to finance

6

months of aftercare for winners

Deal Room

Meet the individuals who fund agribusiness

Banks, growth finance establishments, agri-lenders and impression traders.

Showcase

Be seen by financiers

Outstanding improvements are profiled in an Innovation Showcase Register. Every applicant receives suggestions.

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 on-line in three quick levels. Save and proceed any time.
2. 17 OctoberNationwide: Training – Virtual coaching for all candidates.
3. 21 to 22 October : In-person Training – Two days of in-person coaching in Niger, Nasarawa and Kaduna.
4. 29 October : Pitch & Grand Finale – Hybrid: finalists pitch dwell, within the room and on-line.
5. 8 to 10 November: National Showcase & Award – The nationwide showcase and award ceremony in Lagos.

For More Information:

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