UNDP and Mastercard Foundation Young Africa Innovates (YAI) Programme 2026 | Cohort 2
Applications are now open for Cohort 2 of the Young Africa Innovates (YAI) Programme, an innovation and entrepreneurship programme by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.
The programme is designed to identify, incubate and support promising innovations developed by young Nigerians, particularly young people from underserved communities, young women and persons with disabilities.
Selected innovators will receive incubation support, entrepreneurship training, technical mentorship, product development assistance, commercialization support and connections to networks, investors and financing opportunities to help transform their ideas and innovations into sustainable ventures.
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About the Young Africa Innovates Programme
Young Africa Innovates is a flagship innovation and entrepreneurship initiative focused on supporting young Nigerians developing solutions to challenges within their communities and across the country.
The programme particularly targets what UNDP describes as “atypical innovators” — talented young people who have promising ideas or solutions but may lack access to financing, professional networks, mentorship and technical assistance needed to develop them.
YAI aims to build a pipeline of Nigerian innovators capable of developing commercially viable solutions while contributing to job creation, inclusive economic growth and sustainable development.
About UNDP and Mastercard Foundation
The United Nations Development Programme works globally to support countries in areas including sustainable development, poverty reduction, governance, resilience and inclusive economic development.
The Mastercard Foundation works primarily with young people in Africa to expand access to education, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Through the Young Africa Innovates Programme, both organisations are working together to strengthen Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem and provide young innovators with resources to develop and commercialize their solutions.
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What Happened in Cohort 1?
The first Young Africa Innovates cohort attracted more than 9,000 applications from across Nigeria.
Following the selection process, 205 innovators were incubated across seven states:
- Borno
- Ekiti
- Kwara
- Lagos
- Anambra
- Kaduna
- Akwa Ibom
Participants received support covering innovation development, business incubation, entrepreneurship training, mentorship, commercialization and market readiness.
According to UNDP, the first cohort ultimately contributed to the creation of 815 employment opportunities across Nigeria.
Expansion of Cohort 2
Following the first cohort, Young Africa Innovates is expanding its geographical reach.
The programme is working with state governments, universities, innovation hubs, private-sector organisations, development institutions and investors to strengthen local innovation ecosystems.
States identified as part of the programme’s expanded footprint include:
- Cross River
- Abia
- Taraba
- Niger
- Katsina
- Akwa Ibom
- Plateau
These build on the locations reached during the first cohort.
Applicants should check the application portal for the current state-specific eligibility and participation requirements.
Who Can Apply?
Applications are open to:
- Young Nigerians between 18 and 35 years old
- Young people from underserved communities
- Young women
- Persons with disabilities
- Individuals with disruptive or innovative solutions
- Applicants with prototypes or working samples addressing community, national or development challenges
- Innovators committed to developing their ideas into sustainable ventures
- Applicants whose innovations have the potential to generate measurable social and economic impact
The programme is therefore not restricted to applicants who already operate large or established businesses. Young innovators with solutions, prototypes or working samples that meet the programme requirements can apply.
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Eligible Sectors
Applications are welcomed across sectors.
UNDP specifically highlights areas including:
- Agriculture
- Climate Action
- Health
- Education
- Manufacturing
- Digital Technology
- Financial Inclusion
- Renewable Energy
- Creative Economy
- Other development-focused industries
Innovations outside these examples can also be considered where they address relevant community, national or development challenges.
What Selected Innovators Will Receive
Successful applicants will gain access to:
- World-class incubation and entrepreneurship support
- Technical mentorship
- Business advisory services
- Product and prototype refinement
- Market-readiness support
- Commercialization support
- Innovation networks
- Strategic partnerships
- Exposure to investors
- Exposure to grant opportunities
- Access to potential financing pathways
- Opportunities to showcase innovations nationally and internationally
Business and Market Development Support
Beyond developing the innovation itself, the programme will help selected participants strengthen the commercial side of their ventures.
Support will include assistance with:
- Route-to-market strategies
- Business competitiveness
- Commercialization
- Market readiness
- Sustainable business growth
This is intended to help participants move beyond developing promising ideas toward building solutions capable of operating sustainably in the market.
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Is YAI Offering a Guaranteed Grant?
The programme announcement states that selected innovators will receive exposure to investors, grant opportunities and financing pathways.
This should not be interpreted as a guaranteed cash grant for every successful applicant. The confirmed programme support includes incubation, mentorship, business advisory, product refinement, commercialization and access to relevant networks and financing opportunities.
Age Requirement
Applicants must be between:
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 35 years
Eligible Country
Nigeria.
The programme is specifically targeted at young Nigerian innovators.
Application Opening Date
Applications for Cohort 2 opened on September 1, 2026.