Applications are now open for the 2026 AGRA–SMEDANYouth Agri‑InnovationContest. Agriculture employs more young Nigerians than any other sector, yet many agripreneurs struggle to reach advice and capital.
Requirements
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
Benefits
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
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.
Application Timeline,
8 to 16 October: Apply – Apply online in three short stages. Save and continue any time.
17 OctoberNationwide: 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.
Method of Application
For More Information,
Visit the Official Webpage
Application Deadline: 16 October, 2026.