AGRA–SMEDAN Youth Agri-Innovation Contest 2026

The AGRA–SMEDAN Youth Agri-Innovation Contest 2026 is a competition for Nigerian youth aged 18 to 35 who are running or building an agribusiness. It includes an eight-module access-to-finance training, pitch rounds judged by expert reviewers, a Grand Finale with a Deal Room for financiers, seed capital and aftercare for winners, and a national showcase with an award ceremony. The programme spans online training and in-person sessions in several Nigerian states, culminating in a live pitch and potential seed funding for the top ten finalists.

Seed capital for ten winners; six months of mentorship and aftercare; access-to-finance training; opportunity to pitch to financiers in a Grand Finale and Deal Room; participation in an Innovation Showcase

Nigerian youth aged 18 to 35 who are running an agribusiness or building one, working in maize, rice, soybean or allied agrifood value chains, at any stage from idea to established business.

Apply online in three short stages between 8 and 16 October; winners advance to training, pitch and final showcase