Call for Applications: Songhai/Mastercard Youth Agricultural Empowerment Scheme 2026 | Fully Sponsored
Are you a young Nigerian passionate about agriculture and seeking a fully funded opportunity to kickstart or scale your agribusiness career?
The Songhai/Mastercard Youth Agricultural Empowerment Scheme 2026 offers an exceptional pathway for Nigerian youth and aspiring agro-entrepreneurs across Africa to gain hands-on training in sustainable agriculture.
This fully sponsored initiative, delivered in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is designed for young people ready to transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector.
If you are searching for fully funded agriculture scholarships, youth empowerment programs in Africa, or practical agribusiness training for Nigerian students, this opportunity is for you.
With a strong focus on high-demand agribusiness and farm management skills, participants are empowered to grow scalable ventures while contributing to food security and economic development.
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About the Opportunity
The Songhai/Mastercard Youth Agricultural Empowerment Scheme 2026 is a collaborative initiative between the Songhai Center and the Mastercard Foundation, created to train and empower over 3,000 young Nigerians within three years, with a target of 70% female participation.
The programme features a three-month intensive boot camp focused on sustainable farming systems, agribusiness management, and practical agricultural operations.
Training takes place in key locations, including Imo and Ebonyi States in Southeast Nigeria, preparing participants to become modern farm managers, skilled technicians, and successful agro-entrepreneurs.
Benefits of the Programme
Participants in the Songhai/Mastercard Youth Agricultural Empowerment Scheme 2026 enjoy a wide range of benefits, making it one of the most attractive fully funded agriculture programmes in Nigeria:
- Fully Sponsored Training: Tuition, accommodation, and meals throughout the three-month boot camp are fully covered
- Hands-On Practical Experience: Gain real-world skills in sustainable farming, agribusiness, and modern agricultural technologies
- Entrepreneurial Support: Access mentorship, business guidance, and potential seed support to start or scale agro-ventures
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow youth, agribusiness leaders, and green-economy experts across Africa
- Career Advancement: Build competencies as a farm manager or technician, opening doors to employment and self-employment
- Women Empowerment Focus: 70% of available slots are reserved for young women, promoting gender inclusion in agriculture
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this fully funded agricultural empowerment programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Age: Between 18 and 35 years
- Nationality: Nigerian youth, with priority for applicants in or near Imo, Ebonyi, and other participating states
- Interest in Agriculture: Must have an existing agricultural venture or a strong passion to start one
- Availability: Willingness to participate in a three-month, in-person training programme in Nigeria
- Gender Priority: Strong preference for young women to achieve the programme’s 70% female participation goal
No prior formal education or academic background in agriculture is required, making the programme accessible to motivated beginners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
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Required Documents
- The application process is designed to be simple and inclusive, with minimal documentation required:
- Proof of Identity: National ID card, international passport, or voter’s card
- Age Verification: Birth certificate or age declaration affidavit
- Personal Statement (Optional but Recommended): A brief write-up describing your interest in agriculture or current venture
- Contact Information: Valid phone number and email address
- Academic transcripts are not required, as selection is based on passion, commitment, and entrepreneurial potential.
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How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Applying for the Songhai/Mastercard Youth Agricultural Empowerment Scheme 2026 is straightforward and entirely online:
- Visit the official application portal via the Google Form (Apply Here)
- Complete your personal details, including name, age, location, and contact information
- Describe your interest in agriculture and any existing or proposed agribusiness venture
- Upload the required identification and age verification documents
- Review and submit your application
- Monitor your email or phone for updates from the programme coordinators
- Applicants may contact the programme team using the provided contact details if further clarification is needed.
Application Deadline
The Songhai/Mastercard Youth Agricultural Empowerment Scheme 2026 operates on a rolling application basis. Applications are currently ongoing, and training batches are filled as qualified candidates are selected.
Early application is strongly encouraged, as available slots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
