GEM HUNT 5.0: FROM ROOTS TO RICHES - NEW SHOT AT FUNDING AND VISIBILITY FOR YOUNG NIGERIAN ENTREPRENEURS

 Gem Hunt 5.0: "From Roots to Riches" — A New Shot at Funding and Visibility for Young Nigerian Entrepreneurs

If you're a young hustler building something real — whether it's a tailoring business, a farm, a tech idea, or a market stall — there's a new opportunity worth your attention. Bilaad Development Trust (BDT), in partnership with Gem Hunt, has launched the 5th edition of its flagship entrepreneurship competition, themed "From Roots to Riches: Building Nigeria's Next Generation of Entrepreneurs."

What Is Gem Hunt 5.0 About?

Gem Hunt is Bilaad Development Trust's signature entrepreneurship initiative, now in its 5th edition. Past editions have spotlighted young female entrepreneurs, tech innovators, and community-driven businesses across Nigeria, awarding cash prizes, mentorship, and strategic linkages to winners.

This edition is different in scope — it's open to a wider range of MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) across six key sectors:

• Tech
• Creatives
• Fashion
• Agriculture
• Renewable Energy
• Retail and Trade

According to the official programme description, Gem Hunt 5.0 is built on real competition, market validation, and investor-readiness coaching, with top finalists getting the chance to pitch live to a panel of investors and industry leaders. It's positioned as a platform for genuine "builders" — people already doing the work, not just people with an idea on paper.

Who Is It For?

Gem Hunt 5.0 is open to young Nigerians who meet all of the following criteria:

-Age: 15 – 35 years at the time of application

-Nationality/Residency: Must be a Nigerian citizen, resident in Nigeria (open to applicants across all 36 states and the FCT)

-Business stage: You must already have an existing business or startup — from early-stage to growth-stage. Pure concept entries with no evidence of activity will not be considered

-Sector: All MSME segments are welcome, as long as your venture demonstrates at least one of the following:

Inclusion of informal workers into the formal economy

• Job creation
• Productivity
• Local content development
• Financial inclusion

In short: if you're already running something — from your bedroom, a market stall, a cooperative, or a registered startup — and it addresses a real gap in Nigeria's informal economy, you qualify to apply.

What You Need to Submit

Every applicant must:

-Complete the online application via the official Gem Hunt 5.0 portal before the closing date

-Submit a Preliminary Challenge video titled "My Hustle Story" — a 2-minute video covering:

-Who you are and what your venture does

-The problem you solve and who you serve

-Proof of work (show your product or service in action — evidence, not just ideas)

-Ensure all content is original, honest, and accurately represents your venture

-Record the video in a well-lit setting with clear audio and good resolution

Note: Applications with fabricated, plagiarized, or misleading information will be automatically disqualified. Shortlisted applicants move on to a Primary Challenge stage and will be contacted by email or phone.

As of publishing, Bilaad Development Trust's official Gem Hunt 5.0 page asks applicants to submit "before the closing date" but does not publish a specific closing date on the site. To avoid missing out, follow BDT's official channels closely for the exact deadline announcement:

Instagram: @bilaaddevelopment

Facebook: Bilaad Development Trust

X (Twitter): @BilaadDevTrust

LinkedIn: Bilaad Development Trust

How to Apply

You can register for Gem Hunt 5.0 directly here:

👉 Apply for Gem Hunt 5.0 https://bilaaddevelopmenttrust.com/gem-hunt-5-0/

Or visit the general BDT website: www.bilaaddevelopmenttrust.com

Why This Matters

Bilaad Development Trust was founded by the team behind Bilaad Realty as a Corporate Social Responsibility initiative focused on three pillars: Education, Entrepreneurship, and Change Advocacy. Gem Hunt has become their most visible entrepreneurship vehicle, with past editions delivering cash prizes, business grants, mentorship, and market linkages to winners across categories like fashion, agriculture, tech, and services.

For Arewa and Northern Nigerian entrepreneurs especially — many of whom run informal or semi-formal businesses in fashion, agriculture, and trade — Gem Hunt 5.0 is a rare opportunity to get visibility, investor exposure, and structured coaching without needing to already be "polished" or fully formalized.

If you've been building quietly, this might be your moment to be seen.

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 GET Compass SME Business Grant 2026: Up to ₦2 Million for Early-Stage Nigerian Entrepreneurs

If you're running a small business in Nigeria and looking for equity-free funding to expand, this one is worth your attention. The Grooming Endowment Trust (GET) has opened applications for Cohort 5 of its flagship GET Compass SME Business Grant, offering up to ₦2,000,000 in non-repayable capital to early-stage entrepreneurs.

What Is the GET Compass Grant?

GET Compass is the flagship enterprise development programme of the Grooming Endowment Trust — a non-profit set up in 2020, seeded by the Grooming Centre, to support sustainable social initiatives in education, health, and enterprise across Nigeria. Rather than simply handing out cash, the programme takes selected entrepreneurs through a structured business development process before funding is disbursed.

The grant is designed to help small and medium-scale businesses:

-Expand operations

-Purchase equipment

-Capitalize business processes

-Beyond the money, participants get:

-Mentorship — one-on-one guidance from industry leaders

-A 2-week intensive business clinic and workshop in Lagos

-Networking with other entrepreneurs, innovators, and investors

-Post-grant mentorship sessions to support long-term growth

Who Is It For?

Eligibility (Nigeria only):

-Applicant must be at least 18 years old

-Business must be registered and actively operating in Nigeria (Local Government or CAC registration counts)

-Business must be no more than 3 years old

-You must be fully available to attend the mandatory 2-week business clinic in Lagos

-You'll need to show documented evidence that your business is an active going concern

-You must be able to clearly explain a specific structural growth problem your business faces and how the grant funds would solve it

-You must commit to post-grant mentorship

This is squarely aimed at Nigerian founders — if your business is registered and operating outside Nigeria, this particular cohort is not for you.

Application Link and Deadline

Apply here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSevfhRYthH2risCqoQt6vEmOTWGbDnbsgvS9tRFSw58VWidrQ/viewform

Registration opened: July 23, 2026

Deadline: August 20, 2026

You can also visit the official GET Grant Programs portal at getgrantprogram.groomingendowment.org for more details and updates on future cohorts.

Should You Apply?

If you've been running your business for under three years, have CAC or LG registration in place, and can articulate a clear growth bottleneck that ₦2 million would fix, this is a solid opportunity — not just for the funding, but for the structured mentorship and Lagos workshop that comes with it. Just be honest with yourself about the time commitment: the 2-week clinic is mandatory, not optional.

Deadline is August 20, 2026 — don't sit on this one.

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PAL FELLOWSHIP 3.0: CYPA AFRICA OPENS APPLICATION FOR YOUNG POLICY LEADERS IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

 PAL Fellowship 3.0: CYPA Africa Opens Applications for Young Policy Leaders in Northern Nigeria

If you're a young person from Northern Nigeria with a passion for policy, advocacy, or public leadership, CYPA Africa just opened a door you don't want to miss — the Policy, Leadership and Advocacy (PAL) Fellowship 3.0.

What Is the PAL Fellowship?

The PAL Fellowship is the flagship policy leadership programme of CYPA Africa (Centre for Youth Participation, Dialogue and Advocacy Africa), delivered in partnership with Equity International Initiative (EII). CYPA Africa was established in 2014 as a student-led initiative at the University of Jos and has since grown into one of Nigeria's leading youth-focused civil society organisations, working across governance, elections, human rights, peacebuilding, and youth engagement.

PAL Fellowship 3.0 is designed to raise a new generation of policy thinkers, researchers, advocates, and public leaders. Fellows go through a structured, virtual-first curriculum, then cap it off with a hands-on residential bootcamp — this cohort's bootcamp holds in Jos, and includes visits to institutions like the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), based on activities from previous cohorts.

Programme Details

-Duration: September to December 2026

Format: Virtual sessions, assignments, an individual policy brief, plus a three-day residential bootcamp in Jos

-Cohort size: Only 24 Fellows will be selected

Cost to fellows: Accommodation and feeding during the residency are fully covered by the Fellowship. Fellows only need to arrange their own transportation to and from Jos.

Who Is It For?

Eligibility:

Young people aged 18–35 years

Resident in one of the 19 Northern States or the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria

⚠️ Note: This fellowship is geographically restricted to Northern Nigeria and the FCT — it is not open nationwide or internationally.

Selection is strictly merit-based, but CYPA Africa states it will also prioritise diversity, gender balance, and the inclusion of underrepresented groups.

Successful applicants must be ready to commit fully — that means attending all virtual sessions, completing assignments, producing an individual policy brief, and showing up for the full three-day bootcamp in Jos.

How to Apply

Application link: https://bit.ly/4zak8UV

Phone: +234 810 452 4464

Email: Cypa01africa@gmail.com

Website: www.cypaafrica.org

Should You Apply?

If you're a young Northern Nigerian who wants real exposure to policy work — not just theory, but mentorship, a bootcamp, and a tangible policy brief to your name — PAL Fellowship 3.0 is worth your shot. With only 24 spots, get your application in early and make sure every part of it reflects your genuine passion for policy and advocacy.

Got questions on eligibility or the application process? reach CYPA Africa directly via the contacts above.

Read More »

 Get Up to ₦20 Million: FCMB-FMO AgriTech Hackathon & Venture Building Programme 2026 is Now Open

If you're building an agritech solution anywhere in Nigeria — from a farm-to-market logistics app to a processing innovation — this opportunity deserves a spot on your radar.

First City Monument Bank (FCMB), in partnership with the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO), Heave Ventures, and co-funded by the European Union, has launched the FCMB-FMO AgriTech Hackathon and Venture Building Programme 2026. The programme is designed to identify, support, and finance Nigeria's most promising agritech startups and SMEs, helping them become investment-ready, scale their operations, and connect with real funders.

What Is It For?

The programme gives forward-thinking agritech startups the chance to sharpen their business models, scale faster, and build solutions that reshape agriculture across the continent. It welcomes founders building innovative solutions anywhere along the agricultural value chain — from production, processing, and logistics to financing, market access, and agricultural technology.

Beyond the grant money, this is a structured venture-building experience. Past editions of the programme ran as a 6-week bootcamp combining business advisory, expert mentorship, and direct pitch access to investors and banks, alongside a personalized "Zimara Fundability Scorecard" that shows founders exactly how investors and banks view their business.

What shortlisted founders get:

-Funding of up to ₦20 million

-Support for venture building

-Mentorship from seasoned industry experts

-Connections to investors, ecosystem partners, and industry leaders

-Business development assistance to fuel startup growth

Deadline for Submission

August 23, 2026

Eligibility

Country/State eligibility: This programme is open to agritech startups and SMEs based in Nigeria — all states qualify. There's no indication of a state-by-state restriction; founders anywhere in Nigeria are welcome to apply.

You should be building a solution somewhere along the agricultural value chain — production, processing, logistics, financing, market access, or agri-tech tools.

Priority tends to go to ventures with a working idea or business that's already showing traction (this has been the pattern from prior editions of the programme).

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through Zimara, the platform powering the programme's fundability assessment:

👉 https://cohortone.zimara.org/

You can also find more information at https://agri-tech.cc

Why This One Is Worth Your Time

This isn't just a cash prize — it's backed by a Nigerian bank (FCMB), a global development finance institution (FMO), a venture-building partner (Heave Ventures), and the European Union. That combination means the programme is built to actually connect founders to long-term capital and market access, not just hand out a one-time grant.

If you're an agritech founder in Nigeria with a working product or early traction, this is a strong programme to add to your funding pipeline this quarter.

Read More »

 Call for Applications: Women at the Front of Digital Space (WFDS) Fellowship 2026 (Cohort 1)

Digital spaces are where today's conversations, campaigns, and civic movements are happening — but for many young women, those same spaces come with real risks: harassment, misinformation, and technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV). The Women at the Front of Digital Space (WFDS) Fellowship 2026, presented by Smart Aid Initiative in partnership with WFDS, is opening its doors to young women ready to turn those risks into leadership.

If you've been looking for a hands-on programme to build your digital confidence and become an advocate for safer, smarter online spaces — this is one to add to your list.

What Is the WFDS Fellowship About?

The WFDS Fellowship is a six-week hybrid leadership programme designed to equip young women with practical knowledge and skills in:

-Digital Democracy — understanding how technology shapes civic participation, governance, and citizen engagement

-Online Safety — practical strategies for staying safe while navigating digital platforms

-Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) — recognizing, preventing, and responding to online gender-based violence

-Countering Misinformation — identifying false information and promoting responsible digital communication

-Digital Advocacy — designing and running digital campaigns that create real community impact

-The programme blends virtual learning sessions, expert-led workshops, one-on-one mentorship, peer learning, and a two-day in-person bootcamp, so fellows walk away with both knowledge and hands-on experience.

-A key part of the fellowship is the community step-down session — after completing the programme, fellows are expected to organize a virtual session to pass on what they've learned to other young women in their communities. This is how the programme's impact multiplies beyond the 20 selected fellows.

Who Is This For? (Eligibility)

-Young women aged 18–30 years

-Resident in Kaduna State, Nigeria (this cohort is specifically for Kaduna State — applicants from outside Kaduna State are not eligible for Cohort 1)

-Interested in digital rights, online safety, civic engagement, or technology

-Motivated and willing to commit to the full six weeks, including the two-day physical bootcamp

-Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply — the organizers have committed to providing reasonable accessibility accommodations for the in-person bootcamp, and applicants are invited to indicate any accessibility needs on the application form

-Only 20 fellows will be selected for this cohort, so competition will be tight. Selection will be based on eligibility, motivation, commitment, and your potential to apply and share what you learn.

What Fellows Get

-Certificate of Completion

-Expert-led training and mentorship

-A peer network of like-minded young women

-Practical digital advocacy tools and resources

-A two-day intensive in-person bootcamp

-The opportunity to lead a community step-down session and grow your own leadership profile

Application Deadline

14 August 2026

How to Apply

Applications are submitted via Google Form:

👉 Apply Here

Make sure to fill in the form carefully and honestly — accuracy matters during selection.

Why You Should Apply

Digital literacy, online safety, and advocacy skills aren't optional anymore for young women who want to lead — they're essential. Whether you're passionate about civic engagement, gender equality, tech, or community advocacy, the WFDS Fellowship gives you a structured, supported path to build real skills, connect with mentors, and become a voice for safer digital spaces in your community.

If you're a young woman in Kaduna State between 18 and 30, ready to grow your digital leadership — this fellowship was built for you. Don't wait until the last minute; get your application in before 14 August 2026.

Read More »

Green Leaders Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded Sustainability Leadership Programme for 37 Nigerians (Apply Now)

 Officially Green Leaders Fellowship 2026: Fully Funded Sustainability Leadership Programme for 37 Nigerians (Apply Now)

If you've been quietly doing the work — organizing clean-up drives in your community, pushing climate conversations in your state, running a green business, or just refusing to shut up about sustainability — this one is for you. The Green Institute has opened applications for the Officially Green Leaders Fellowship 2026, and it's looking for exactly one person like you from every single state in Nigeria.

What Is the Officially Green Leaders Fellowship?

Convened by The Green Institute, the fellowship is a fully funded national initiative designed to identify and train one exceptional sustainability leader from each of Nigeria's 36 states and the FCT — 37 fellows in total. It's built around an intensive, one-week residential leadership programme covering everything from climate governance to energy transition, advocacy, and state-level action planning.

But it doesn't stop at the training. Every fellow leaves the residency as an Officially Green State Lead, tasked with building a "State Sustainability Cabinet" back home and executing a 12-month sustainability action blueprint in their state. This is less "attend a workshop and go home" and more "become your state's official point person for green change."

What the Residency Covers

The one-week programme is structured around five key areas:

-Energy Transition & Green Innovation — renewable energy, circular economy models, green enterprise, climate finance

-Climate Leadership & Governance — climate science, policy frameworks, SDG localization, subnational governance

-State Green Action Blueprint Lab — building your own 12-month roadmap with KPIs, partnerships, and impact tracking

-Advocacy & Strategic Communication — policy advocacy, stakeholder engagement, media positioning, public speaking

-State Sustainability Cabinet Formation — designing your team, with roles like Renewable Energy Lead, Climate Education Coordinator, and Community Engagement Director

What's Covered (It's Fully Funded)

There are no participation fees, and financial barriers are deliberately removed so selection comes down purely to merit. Fellows receive:

-Full residential accommodation for the one-week programme

-All meals and refreshments

-Transportation to and from the residency location

Who Should Apply

The fellowship is open to a wide range of backgrounds — you don't need to be a climate professional with a fancy title. The Green Institute is looking for people who show:

-A genuine commitment to sustainability, climate action, or environmental leadership

-Leadership experience or strong leadership potential

-The ability to mobilize people and stakeholders within their state

-A drive for structured, measurable impact — not just good intentions

Applicants can come from civil society, academia, government, the private sector, or grassroots community work. There's no strict age limit — the focus is on your leadership capacity and commitment, not your CV length. Note that only one fellow will ultimately be selected per state, though multiple people from the same state are welcome to apply.

Eligibility: Is Nigeria/Your State Included?

Yes — this fellowship is open exclusively to residents of all 36 Nigerian states and the FCT. In fact, that's the entire structure of the programme: one fellow is selected from every state, including the FCT, so wherever you're based in Nigeria, you're eligible to apply. This is not open to applicants outside Nigeria.

Application Deadline

August 26, 2026. Late applications will not be considered, so don't sit on this one — apply early, especially since only one person per state makes it through.

How to Apply

Apply using the link below 👇🏼 

https://forms.gle/Dh3UtLYWBM45Avdi9

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly by email, and final selection announcements follow the review process.

Worth sharing with anyone in your network doing sustainability, climate, or community work in Nigeria — one spot per state means the competition is real, but so is the opportunity.

Read More »

 Young Women Leaders Inclusion and Advocacy Fellowship 2026: Apply Now

Deadline: August 10, 2026

Calling all young women in Northern Nigeria ready to step into leadership! Applications are officially open for the Young Women Leaders Inclusion and Advocacy Fellowship 2026, a fully virtual programme organized by the Policy Inclusion & Advocacy Lab, designed to build the next generation of women changemakers across the North.

If you've been dreaming of a space to sharpen your leadership skills, understand public policy, and turn your community ideas into real action, this fellowship is calling your name.

What Is the Fellowship About?

This is a six-week virtual fellowship that brings together young women from Northern Nigeria who are ready to:

-Grow as leaders

-Engage with issues that shape their communities

-Find their voices in spaces where decisions are made

-Turn their ideas into concrete action

-The programme is built around leadership, public policy, financial inclusion, advocacy, and personal development — giving participants both the knowledge and the confidence to show up boldly in rooms where important decisions are made.

By the end of the six weeks, fellows will have expanded their leadership capacity, gained new knowledge, and joined a growing network of young women committed to driving positive change in their communities.

Who Is It For?

This opportunity is specifically for young women who:

-Are aged 18–35

-Are from, reside in, or have a strong connection to Northern Nigeria (including the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja)

-Have an interest in leadership, advocacy, public policy, governance, education, finance, digital spaces, or community development

-Are available and committed to fully participating in the six-week virtual fellowship

-Are willing to learn, engage actively, and take meaningful action within their communities

The organizers say they are committed to fostering an inclusive fellowship that reflects the diversity of Northern Nigeria. Young women with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply, and applications are welcome from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.

Country/State Eligibility

This fellowship is open only to applicants from Nigeria — specifically young women from, based in, or with strong ties to Northern Nigeria (this includes states across the North-West, North-East, and North-Central zones) as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. If you're outside these regions, this particular cohort may not be for you, but keep following Ganarious Blog for more opportunities open to a wider audience.

How to Apply

Ready to apply? Click the link below to fill out the application form:

Apply Here

Deadline

Applications close on August 10, 2026. Don't wait until the last minute — get your application in early!

This is a wonderful opportunity for Arewa women ready to lead, advocate, and make impact in their communities. Share with a sister, friend, or colleague who needs to see this!

Read More »

Ọbafẹmi Awolọwọ Future Leaders Fellowship for Young Leaders Across Africa & the Diaspora

 Apply Now: Ọbafẹmi Awolọwọ Future Leaders Fellowship for Young Leaders Across Africa & the Diaspora

deadline: 2026-08-31

Apply Now: Ọbafẹmi Awolọwọ Future Leaders Fellowship for Young Leaders Across Africa & the Diaspora

If you've been searching for a leadership programme that goes beyond certificates and actually builds character, discipline, and vision — the Ọbafẹmi Awolọwọ Future Leaders Fellowship is worth your attention. Applications are officially open, and it's a fully virtual, mentorship-driven programme designed for young changemakers who want to lead with integrity.

What Is the Fellowship About?

The Obafemi Awolowo Foundation has launched this fellowship as a highly selective, merit-based initiative inspired by the legacy of Chief Ọbafẹmi Awolọwọ, SAN, GCFR (1909–1987) — a statesman celebrated for principled governance, social justice, and his commitment to human development through education.

The programme is designed to raise a new generation of ethical, visionary, and impact-driven leaders. It's an 8-week virtual leadership journey combining:

-Leadership development training

-Personal effectiveness coaching

-One-on-one and group mentorship

-Collaborative learning with fellow young leaders

-Practical problem-solving centred on real societal challenges

The inaugural cohort begins October 4, 2026, with sessions holding every Saturday, 6:00pm–10:00pm (Nigeria Time, WAT), requiring about 4 hours of commitment per week.

Who Is It For? (Eligibility)

You may qualify if you:

Are aged 20–35 years

-Are from Africa, the Caribbean, or the global African diaspora

-Show strong leadership potential, integrity, and a service-oriented mindset

-Can commit to the full 8-week programme duration

-Are able to submit a personal statement and provide two referees (admission is strictly merit-based)

🇳🇬 Nigeria and all Nigerian states are fully eligible. In fact, the Foundation itself is Nigerian-rooted (based in Ikenne, Ogun State), so applicants from anywhere in Nigeria — including Arewa/Northern Nigeria — are strongly encouraged to apply. This is also open continent-wide across Africa, plus the Caribbean and diaspora communities worldwide.

Why It Matters

At the launch, the Foundation's Executive Director, Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, noted that many talented young Africans face economic uncertainty and social inequality despite their potential — what's often missing is structured mentorship and a values-based leadership framework to turn that potential into impact. This fellowship is the Foundation's answer to that gap: moving, in their words, "from celebrating history to shaping the future."

Deadline for Submission

📅 Applications close on 31 August 2026.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply directly through the official fellowship portal:

🔗 https://oaflf.obafemiawolowofoundation.com/apply

For further inquiries, applicants can reach out to the Programme Coordinator via the contact details listed on the official fellowship page: https://oaflf.obafemiawolowofoundation.com/

Worth sharing 🌿 — tag a young leader in your circle who needs to see this. Leadership isn't just inherited; sometimes it's built one fellowship at a time.

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 Call for Application: The Zacch Adedeji Taxation & Fiscal Policy Fellowship (ZATPIF) 2026

Developing Nigeria's Next Generation of Fiscal Leaders

A flagship initiative of the APC National Youth Wing, in partnership with The Nest, has just opened applications for the Zacch Adedeji Taxation & Fiscal Policy Fellowship (ZATPIF) — a bold new programme designed to build the human capital behind Nigeria's ongoing fiscal transformation.

What Is the Fellowship About?

The Fellowship is named after Dr. Zacch Adedeji, Executive Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), who has been at the centre of Nigeria's tax reform agenda — from the rollout of digital platforms like TaxPro-Max and REV360 to the transition from FIRS to NRS and record-breaking revenue collections in recent years.

ZATPIF takes its inspiration from that reform drive. Its goal is to equip exceptional young Nigerians with the skills to:

Drive policy implementation at national and sub-national levels

-Strengthen fiscal governance

-Improve revenue mobilisation

-Modernise tax administration

-Expand financial formalisation

-Develop technology-enabled solutions for public finance

In short, the Fellowship is positioning itself as a pipeline for young Nigerians who want to shape — not just observe — the country's economic and fiscal future.

Who Is It For?

The Fellowship is aimed at young Nigerians who are passionate about public finance, taxation, and economic policy, and who want to actively contribute to a "stronger, more transparent, and more prosperous economy." Based on the official call for applications, it's a good fit for:

-Young professionals and graduates interested in taxation, economics, public finance, or fiscal policy

-Emerging changemakers who want exposure to policy design and implementation

-Anyone drawn to the tagline: "Your generation will inherit Nigeria's economy. Help design it."

A note on eligibility: the flyer confirms this is a nationwide programme open to young Nigerians, but does not spell out detailed eligibility criteria (such as specific age brackets, academic qualifications, or state quotas) beyond that. Applicants should check the official application portal for the full eligibility requirements before applying, since these details are typically published at the point of registration.

Key Dates

Item

Detail

Registration opens

28th July 2026

Application deadline

15th August 2026

Apply via

bit.ly/zatpif2026

How to Apply

Interested applicants can begin their application through the official link: bit.ly/zatpif2026. 

As with most competitive fellowships of this kind, it's advisable to apply early rather than waiting until the closing date, since portals can experience high traffic close to deadlines.

Why It Matters

Nigeria's fiscal reforms — from tax law overhauls to the digitisation of revenue collection — are still young, and their long-term success will depend on the quality of people driving implementation over the next decade. A fellowship like this signals an intentional effort to build that next generation from within the youth population itself, rather than relying solely on established bureaucrats and consultants.

For young Nigerians looking to break into public finance, policy, or fiscal governance — especially those already interested in entrepreneurship, economic empowerment, or civic leadership — this is a fellowship worth watching closely.

Read More »

 AU CIEFFA & ImpactHER Launch 4th Fully-Funded Online Capacity Building Training 2026 — Apply Before July 31

Good news for every African hustling to build a business, sharpen their digital skills, or grow as a leader — applications are open for the 2026 African Union CIEFFA Online Capacity Building Training (OCBT), and it's completely free.

What Is It All About?

This is a joint programme by the African Union International Centre for Girls' and Women's Education in Africa (AU CIEFFA) and ImpactHER, now in its 4th edition. It's a fully online, fully sponsored training designed to equip young Africans — women and men — with practical skills for today's digital economy.

The training focuses on four key areas:

-Digital Skills

-Entrepreneurship

-Financial Literacy

-Gender Equality in Education

This year's theme is "#AfricaEducatesHer – Digital Skills for All: Bridging the Gender Gap in STEAM, Financial Literacy, and Entrepreneurship."

Participants get certificates for each course completed (Digital Skills, Entrepreneurial Skills, Financial Literacy) — as long as they attend at least 80% of the sessions per programme. Completing the training also boosts your chances of being invited to future fully funded in-person AU CIEFFA activities and other ImpactHER-sponsored opportunities.

Who Is It For?

Eligibility:

Open to all 55 African Union Member States — that's every country on the continent, plus members of the African Diaspora (you don't have to be resident in Africa)

-Open to both women and men

-Entrepreneurs, educators, aspiring business leaders, and emerging community leaders

-Must show genuine motivation to learn digital skills, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy

-Must have a reliable internet connection and a device (laptop, phone, or tablet)

-Should understand at least one of the training languages: English, French, or Portuguese

This is a great fit for anyone building or growing a business — think of the small business owners in our own community, from fashion to food to trading — who want real, practical, no-cost training with a certificate at the end.

Key Dates

Application Deadline

31 July 2026

Training Start Date

31 August 2026

Mode

100% Online — open to applicants across Africa and the diaspora

⚠️ The deadline is very close, so don't sit on this one.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online. Apply using the link below 👇🏼 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUwmECIA421Z-1Q8tS8cE6m-ZasSsUncmI4E1IMWCKIEdTNA/viewform

AU CIEFFA: cieffa.au.int

ImpactHER: www.impacther.org

Official press release: cieffa.au.int/en/news/press-releases/2026-07-09

If you run into any issues, note that AU-related programmes typically list a support email on their portal — check the application page directly for that contact.

Bottom line: if you're an African (anywhere in the world) who wants free, certificate-backed training in digital skills, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy — apply before 31 July 2026

Read More »

 AI Boost Bites: Yadda Za Ka Koyi AI Kyauta Domin Bunkasa Kasuwancinka

Idan kai ma’aikacin gwiwa ne, ‘yar kasuwa, ko kuma kana son ka bunkasa kanka a wannan zamani na fasaha, Google Cloud ya kawo maka wata dama mai suna AI Boost Bites — kuma abu mafi kyau shi ne, KYAUTA ne gaba daya!

Menene AI Boost Bites?

AI Boost Bites jerin bidiyo ne na koyarwa daga Google, wanda kowanne bangare (episode) baya wuce mintuna 10. A cikin wadannan gajerun darussan, kwararrun Google da kansu za su nuna maka yadda ake amfani da kayan aikin AI kamar Gemini, NotebookLM, da Gemini for Workspace domin magance matsalolin kasuwanci na yau da kullum.

Bayan kowace bidiyo, za a ba ka wani karamin aiki (challenge) da za ka gwada abin da ka koya nan take — wato ba koyo kawai ba, koyo tare da aiki.

Me Ya Sa Ya Kamata Ka Yi Amfani Da Shi?

1. Kyauta ne — Babu Kudi

Ba sai ka biya kudi ba don ka fara koyon AI. Wannan yana bude kofa ga kowa, musamman ma’aikatan gwiwa da suke Arewacin Najeriya wadanda kudin darussa masu tsada zai iya zama cikas.

2. Lokaci Kadan, Amfani Mai Yawa

Kasuwanci yana bukatar lokaci. Domin kowace bidiyo ba ta wuce mintuna 10, za ka iya koya ko da kana tsakiyar aikin ka — a lokacin hutu, ko kafin ka bude shago.

3. Ana Koya Maka Abubuwa Masu Amfani Kai Tsaye

Ba ka'ida ce kawai ba (theory) — za ka koyi:

Yadda za ka rubuta sanarwar talla ta amfani da Gemini

Yadda za ka canza hoto zuwa "spreadsheet" domin sauƙaƙe rikodin kudi

Yadda za ka gina takardu da slides masu inganci daga bayanan ka

Yadda za ka gano matsaloli a dabarun kasuwancinka kafin su faru

4. Zai Taimaka Maka Wajen Bunkasa Kanka Da Kasuwancinka

Ko kai mai sayar da abinci ne, mai dinki, ko koci kamar ni, sanin yadda ake amfani da AI zai baka gaba wajen tsara kasuwancin ka, adana lokaci, kuma ka zama mai fafatawa a kasuwa.

Ina Zan Same Shi?

Za ka iya samun wadannan darussan kyauta a shafin Google Skills:

🔗 https://www.skills.google/collections/ai-boost-bites

Bayan kammala kowace bidiyo da aikinta, za ka sami "badge" na kammalawa wanda za ka iya ajiyewa a profile dinka ko raba shi da mutane a shafukan sada zumunta — wannan zai iya taimaka maka wajen gina suna a fannin sana'arka.

Kalma Ta Karshe

A wannan zamani, wanda ba ya koyon AI zai rasa gaba a kasuwanci. Amma da wannan dama ta AI Boost Bites, babu wani uzuri — kyauta ne, gajere ne, kuma mai amfani ne kai tsaye. Ka dauki mintuna 10 a yau, ka fara tafiyarka ta koyon AI, domin bunkasa kasuwancinka da kanka.

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 Canvas Home Small Grants 2026: Up to $1,500 for Artisan Businesses — Applications Now Open

If you run an artisan business — weaving, beadwork, pottery, textiles, basket-making, leatherwork, or any handmade craft — this opportunity is worth your attention. HANDMADE to MARKET (HtoM), a division of Creative Learning, has opened applications for the Canvas Home Small Grants 2026, offering funding of up to USD 1,500 to artisan groups in developing countries.

What Is the Canvas Home Small Grants Project?

The Canvas Home Small Grants Project is a long-running initiative sponsored by Canvas Home — a retailer of artisan ceramics, glassware, and textiles — with contributions from Canvas Home and Creative Learning. It provides artisan organizations with direct financial support to strengthen their craft businesses, expand employment, and build sustainable income for artisans and their communities.

The grant is not a loose cash gift. It's structured around two funding categories, and applicants choose the one that fits their needs:

Materials, Tools, Equipment, and Instruction Grant — covers raw materials, tools, equipment for craft production, or funding to start a materials/tools bank.

Marketing Support Grant — for artisan groups that already have established production and sales, and want to expand into new products or markets.

Who Is Eligible?

Eligibility — Country: Established artisan organizations based in developing countries (this is broad, not limited to a shortlist of pilot countries, so Nigerian artisan groups qualify).

Eligibility — Organization type:

-Artisan cooperatives

-Community-based craft organizations

-Small artisan businesses

-Associations engaged in handmade craft production

-Non-profit organizations supporting artisans

Additional requirements:

-Must produce handmade crafts with artistic, functional, and culturally significant qualities

-Must be an established organization (not a brand-new start-up)

-Must submit craft product photos — at least five recent photographs from the past year

-Must include a signed and dated recommendation letter from an organization familiar with their work

-Must not have received a Canvas Home Small Grant before

What the grant does NOT fund:

Individual artisans (applicants must be a group/organization)

Start-up costs for new craft projects

Salaries and staff wages

Travel expenses

Vehicle purchases

Industrial or household manufacturing without handmade/artistic character

Environmentally harmful production practices

Independent grant writers not directly tied to an artisan group

Designers or exporters who don't work directly with artisans

Who Should Apply?

This is ideal for artisan cooperatives and small craft businesses looking to:

-Buy raw materials, tools, or equipment

-Fund skills training or instruction for artisans

-Improve product quality or scale production

-Market their products and reach new buyers

-Preserve traditional craft techniques while building sustainable income

Deadline for Submission

Applications opened: July 15, 2026

Deadline: August 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST)

Applications submitted after the deadline, or missing required documentation, will not be considered — so don't wait until the last day.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted online via Jotform. You can save your progress and return later by creating a free Jotform account.

Application link: https://form.jotform.com/260645709403154

Before applying, it's worth reviewing HtoM's FAQ for guidance on eligibility, required documents, and the application process, available on the official Canvas Home Small Grants page: https://www.handmadetomarket.org/canvas-home-small-grants

Final Word

For artisan groups working hard to grow their craft businesses while keeping tradition alive, this is exactly the kind of opportunity worth taking seriously — a clear, well-defined grant with real funding categories and a straightforward application process. If your cooperative or small artisan business fits the criteria above, gather your documents and photographs early, and get your application in well before the August 17 deadline

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 CALL FOR APPLICATIONS: GIZ-VACE Ginger & Tomato Product Innovation Challenge

Got ginger, tomatoes, or a big idea for either? GIZ just opened a call that could turn your kitchen experiments into your next real product.

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

The GIZ-VACE Ginger & Tomato Product Innovation call is inviting entrepreneurs, processors, and innovators to develop new, market-ready products using ginger and/or tomato as core ingredients. The idea is simple but powerful: Nigeria grows huge volumes of ginger and tomato, but too much of it is wasted or exported raw while imported, value-added versions dominate our shelves. This call wants to change that by backing local innovators who can turn these two crops into their next big product — think sauces, pastes, powders, snacks, drinks, seasonings, or completely new inventions nobody has thought of yet.

This sits under GIZ's Value Chain Facility (VACE) work, which has been actively developing the tomato and ginger value chains in Nigeria — training farmers, strengthening production, and now pushing further down the chain into processing and product innovation.

WHO IS IT FOR?

This call is open to:

-Agri-food processors

-Bakers

-Beverage makers

-Product innovators and developers working with ginger and/or tomato

If you're already turning (or planning to turn) ginger or tomato into a packaged, sellable product — or you have a concept you've been sitting on — this is your call.

Eligibility (Country/State): The call is issued by GIZ Nigeria & ECOWAS and is targeted at applicants in Nigeria. GIZ's related VACE/TARED value chain work in ginger and tomato has focused on Cross River, Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Ondo, Oyo, and Plateau States, so applicants based in or working within these states' value chains are especially well-placed — but the flyer does not explicitly restrict entries to these states alone. If you're unsure whether your location qualifies, confirm directly with the contact below before applying.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit a concept note or proposal outlining your ginger and/or tomato product idea to:

📧 flora.asibe@giz.de

There is no separate online application portal listed on the flyer — applications go in directly by email. Because the poster doesn't spell out the exact format or required documents for the concept note, it's worth emailing to confirm submission guidelines before sending yours in.

DEADLINE

🗓️ Friday, 7 August 2026

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 YouthCred: FG Launches ₦5 Million Youth Credit Scheme — Who Qualifies, How to Apply & Everything You Need to Know

Country/State Eligibility: All 36 States + FCT, Nigeria 🇳🇬

If you've been searching for how to get a loan in Nigeria without collateral, the Federal Government's new YouthCred scheme might be exactly what you need. Launched by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in partnership with the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP), YouthCred is giving young Nigerians access to loans of up to ₦5 million — no collateral, no guarantors, just proof that you can be trusted with credit.

Here's everything you need to know: what it is, who it's for, how much you can borrow, and how to apply.

What Is YouthCred?

YouthCred is a Federal Government credit scheme designed to help young Nigerians build a real credit history while accessing affordable, low-interest loans. It's implemented through CREDICORP (the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation) and forms part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's broader economic empowerment agenda.

Unlike a one-off grant, YouthCred is structured as a progressive credit system: you start with a smaller loan, repay responsibly, complete short financial literacy courses, and unlock bigger loan limits over time. The goal is to reduce reliance on loan apps and informal lenders that trap young people in cycles of debt through hidden charges and predatory interest rates.

Who Is YouthCred For?

YouthCred is open to Nigerian youths aged 18 to 39 and is split into three main product categories:

NYSC Corps Members (Corper Credit) – progressive credit for up to 6 months, designed exclusively for youth corpers.

Employed Youth Credit – for salaried young professionals (18–39) in the public or private sector, with loans repayable over up to 12 months, often structured around salary deductions.

Youth Entrepreneurs Credit – for young business owners (18–39) who need capital for stock, equipment, or expansion, with flexible repayment plans of up to 12 months.

This means whether you're a corps member, a salary earner, or a hustler running your own small business — a fashion brand, food business, salon, or trading venture — there's a YouthCred product built for you.

How Much Can You Borrow?

-Loan amounts range from ₦5,000 to ₦5,000,000, depending on your category and credit profile.

-Young entrepreneurs specifically can access ₦200,000 to ₦2 million without collateral.

-Interest rates are low and government-backed, well below what most loan apps charge.

-Repayment periods range from 1 to 12 months, and for corps members, up to 6 months.

-No collateral and no guarantors are required — your eligibility is built on your income, business cash flow, and repayment behaviour.

Why It Matters

According to CREDICORP, less than 6% of Nigerians had access to credit from formal financial institutions as of 2023. Without a credit history, big life goals — owning a car, renting a good apartment, expanding a business, or buying a home — become far harder to reach. YouthCred was built to close that gap by giving young Nigerians a safe, transparent entry point into the formal credit system, rather than pushing them toward predatory loan apps and loan sharks.

Application Deadline

YouthCred is a rolling, ongoing programme — there is currently no fixed closing date published on the official YouthCred platform. Applications are open and being processed continuously, so interested applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible, as loan disbursement and category slots (especially for NYSC corps members and entrepreneurs) may fill up as the programme scales nationwide.

How to Apply for YouthCred (Step-by-Step)

Visit the official YouthCred website: youthcred.com

Click "Get Started" or "Start Here" to begin your application on the official portal: app.youthcred.com

Select your category — NYSC Corper, Employed Youth, or Youth Entrepreneur.

Fill in your details (full name, employment/business status, contact information) and complete verification — this takes just a few minutes.

Where required, complete the short credit knowledge / financial literacy course attached to your category.

Submit your application and wait for your eligibility and loan offer to be assessed.

Once approved, review your loan offer (amount, interest rate, repayment schedule) before accepting.

Important: Apply only through the official website — youthcred.com — or the official app portal. The programme has warned against fake agents and third-party sites claiming to process YouthCred loans.

Quick FAQ

Do I need collateral?

No. YouthCred loans are collateral-free and guarantor-free.

Can I apply if I'm not currently employed?

The Employed Youth and Corper Credit tracks require employment/NYSC status, but the Youth Entrepreneurs Credit track is designed specifically for business owners — so self-employed hustlers can also qualify.

Is YouthCred available outside Nigeria?

No. It's currently available only to Nigerian citizens/residents applying from within Nigeria.

What happens if I miss a repayment?

Missed repayments can lower your credit score and reduce your future borrowing limit, so it's important to borrow only what you can comfortably repay.

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 C.L.I.C.K.D.: How to Get a Laptop or Digital Device on Easy Credit from CREDICORP

Have you ever felt this way? You have the talent, the drive, and the willingness to learn or work online — but you don't have a laptop or device to get you there. This is the exact problem holding back millions of capable Nigerians from tapping into today's digital opportunities.

Now, the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) has launched an initiative called C.L.I.C.K.D. to close this gap.

What is C.L.I.C.K.D.?

C.L.I.C.K.D. stands for Credit for Laptops, Internet, Connectivity & Knowledge Devices — a credit facility that helps you purchase laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other digital tools you need to learn, work, and earn online.

Instead of paying the full cost of a device upfront, C.L.I.C.K.D. lets you spread payments over time through trusted lenders and vendors approved by CREDICORP.

What Can This Programme Do for You?

-Access Quality Devices — own the laptop or phone you need without paying the full cost upfront.

-Flexible Repayment Plans — structured payment options designed around real income realities.

-Build Your Credit Profile — every successful repayment strengthens your credit history, opening doors to future financial opportunities.

-Trusted Partners — get your device through verified lenders and vendors CREDICORP has vetted.

Who Is This For?

CREDICORP's C.L.I.C.K.D. initiative is designed for:

-Working professionals and job seekers who need a digital device to learn new skills, work remotely, or apply for online jobs.

-Small business owners who need to accept digital payments, manage customers, or grow their business online.

-Students and online learners who need to access courses and certifications through the internet.

Eligibility/Coverage: The programme is available Nigeria-wide (nationwide). The first pilot phase is being launched in partnership with the 3MTT (3 Million Technical Talent) Programme, under the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy. This means participants enrolled in the 3MTT programme are the first to be eligible for this device credit, with plans to expand access to other Nigerians afterward.

How to Apply

If you're interested, apply using the link below 👇🏼 

Source: Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation (CREDICORP) https://share.google/PqWo9wjJ9Zofv0pNg

Final Word

In today's world, a laptop is no longer a luxury — it's an essential tool. If money has been the barrier standing between you and the chance to learn, work, or grow your business, initiatives like this from CREDICORP show that there are paths forward, as long as we know where to look.

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