AGRA and SMEDAN Youth in Agribusiness Innovation Contest 2026: Apply for ₦17 Million in Cash Prizes, Free Training and Mentorship
Are you a young Nigerian entrepreneur with a game-changing idea for agriculture? If you’re looking to boost food production or create fresh opportunities for farmers, this is your chance to shine!
The AGRA and SMEDAN Youth in Agribusiness Innovation Contest 2026 is calling on young Nigerians to showcase their innovative solutions to the challenges facing agriculture and agribusiness. This initiative, backed by AGRA, SMEDAN, Jesnoch International, and Plus Incubation Hub, aims to empower young innovators who are eager to build sustainable and scalable agricultural ventures.
BENEFITS
Winners will have the chance to compete for a whopping ₦17 million in cash prizes, with the top prize being ₦5 million! But that’s not all—winners will also receive incubation support, six months of mentorship, and valuable introductions to potential investors and buyers.
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Even if you don’t take home a prize, there’s still a fantastic opportunity for you: every verified applicant will gain access to a free training day that covers essential topics like business planning, financial management, record-keeping, market access, and securing financing.
ELIGIBILITY
This contest is open to Nigerians aged 18 to 35 from all states. Whether you’re in the early stages of developing an agricultural idea, testing a prototype, or already running an agribusiness, this could be the stepping stone you need to reach your business aspirations.
Mark your calendars! Applications open on Friday, October 9, 2026, and close on Friday, October 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. WAT.
Ready to apply? Head over to the official application portal: www.youthagriinnovate.ng
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The AGRA and SMEDAN Youth in Agribusiness Innovation Contest is all about finding and supporting young Nigerians who are crafting practical solutions for the agricultural sector.
Remember, agriculture isn’t just about traditional farming. There are endless opportunities in food processing, agricultural technology, storage, distribution, financing, and more within the agricultural value chain!