Call for Applications: Digital Entrepreneurship Training and Business Support Programme for Women and Girls in Northern Nigeria

Eligibility at a glance: Open ONLY to women and girls resident in Kano or Bauchi State, ages 18–35. If you don't live in these two states, you unfortunately do not qualify for this cohort — but keep reading, more opportunities like this come up regularly on the blog.

What Is This Programme About?

The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), through its Agenda-WINNIG initiative, has opened applications for a Digital Entrepreneurship Training and Business Support Programme designed specifically for women and girls in Northern Nigeria.

The programme's mission is simple but powerful: "Addressing the Gender Digital Divide and Enhancing Business Opportunities for Women and Girls in Northern Nigeria."

Participants will be equipped with:

•Practical entrepreneurship skills

•Financial literacy

•Digital marketing

•Business planning

•Innovation and mentorship

•Business development support

The goal is to help women establish, strengthen, and grow sustainable businesses using digital tools — closing the gap between what women in Lagos and other tech hubs have access to, and what's available to women in the North.

This is part of CITAD's larger push to train thousands of women across Northern Nigeria in digital literacy and entrepreneurship, so if you've heard about their bigger digital literacy campaign, this training programme is one of the practical entry points into it.

Who Can Apply?

You are eligible if you:

-Are a woman or girl living in Kano or Bauchi State

-Are between the ages of 18 and 35

-Are digitally literate (basic comfort with a smartphone/computer)

-Have access to a smartphone or computer

-Have an existing business or a viable business idea

-Can commit to completing the full training

-Are committed to growing a business

Note: This is state-specific. Applicants outside Kano and Bauchi are not eligible for this particular cohort.

Training Details

Venue: Kano or Bauchi

Training dates: Not yet announced — successful applicants will be contacted directly with dates

Selection Process

CITAD will shortlist candidates based on:

-Meeting the eligibility requirements

-Demonstrated commitment to participate fully

-Business potential

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted, so make sure your application form is filled honestly and completely.

Deadline for Submission

No official deadline has been published by CITAD as of this writing. The application is currently open via a live form on CITAD's website, with no stated closing date. Given that these kinds of programmes often close applications once slots fill or a cohort size is reached, the safest move is to apply as early as possible rather than wait. We'll update this post if CITAD announces a firm deadline.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted directly through CITAD's website via an online form. You'll be asked for basic information (name, age, phone, email), your state and LGA, details about your existing business or idea, your education level, your digital skills level, and why you want to join the training.

Apply using the link below 👇🏼 

https://citad.org.ng/agenda-winnig-digital-entrepreneurship-training/

Found this useful? Share it with a woman in Kano or Bauchi who's ready to grow her business with digital skills. For more grants, fellowships, and training opportunities for Arewa women, keep following Ganarious Blog.

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Applications are open for Ideation Hub Africa's African Masterclass Series 6.0 (AMS 6.0) — a FREE 12-week Impact Accelerator for changemakers, NGOs, and entrepreneurs across Africa. Deadline: Rolling basis. Apply now.

 Ideation Hub Africa (IHA) African Masterclass Series 6.0 — Apply Now (Free, 12 Weeks)

Deadline: Rolling Basis (applications open, apply as soon as possible)

Applications are officially open for the Ideation Hub Africa (IHA) African Masterclass Series 6.0 (AMS 6.0) — a FREE, 12-week Impact Accelerator designed to equip 2,500 changemakers, social innovators, entrepreneurs, and NGO leaders across Africa with practical, future-ready skills in funding, technology, AI, innovation, and leadership.

If you have been searching for a free business masterclass in Africa, a fellowship for social entrepreneurs, or a training program for NGOs and changemakers, this is one opportunity you don't want to sleep on.

What Is the African Masterclass Series 6.0 About?

AMS 6.0 is themed "The Impact Accelerator: Funding, Technology, Innovation, AI & Leadership for the Digital Age." It is the sixth and most ambitious edition of Ideation Hub Africa's flagship Masterclass Series, built to close the gap between bold ideas and real, scalable impact.

Across the continent, many brilliant ideas never grow because founders lack the right structure, mentorship, or access to capital and tools. AMS 6.0 exists to fix that gap by giving participants a full 12-week, hands-on learning journey rather than a one-off webinar.

Key Features of AMS 6.0

•World-Class Curriculum — 12 innovation-rich, module-based sessions built around Africa's real challenges

•Expert Mentorship — direct access to 12 top mentors from entrepreneurship, development, and policy sectors

•Impact Cohorts — participants are grouped into peer-led teams aligned to specific SDGs (health, education, agriculture, climate, gender equity, STEM, AI, policy, civic engagement, and economic empowerment) for collaboration and project development

•Capstone Challenge — a final pitch session where participants present their solutions to a panel of funders, experts, and ecosystem leaders

•Post-Program Support — alumni engagement, visibility, and funding access for standout projects

•Certificate of Completion at the end of the program

•The program is entirely free and runs for 12 weeks, combining live sessions, expert-led masterclasses, case studies, workshops, mentorship, and collaborative project work.

Who Should Apply? (Eligibility)

-AMS 6.0 is open to changemakers across the African continent. You should apply if you are:

-A social entrepreneur or NGO leader building or scaling a community project

-Passionate about AI, innovation, and the future of work

-A woman leader or part of an underrepresented group (this is a priority segment)

-A university student or early-career professional

-A nonprofit professional seeking clarity, capacity, and capital for your work

-A policy advocate or development practitioner solving pressing African challenges

-A changemaker with a bold idea and the commitment to grow it

-A developer, designer, or digital creator who wants to use technology and AI for real-world impact, build scalable tech-enabled products, or sharpen your product thinking

-Country eligibility: This program is open to applicants across the African continent — it is not restricted to a single country or region. Both new applicants and AMS alumni can apply, as every edition features a fresh curriculum.

Application Deadline

The deadline is on a rolling basis, meaning applications are reviewed and accepted continuously until slots are filled. Because this is a free, high-demand program with a limited target of 2,500 participants, it is best to apply early rather than wait.

How to Apply

Ready to apply? Follow these steps:

Visit the official application page: https://africanmasterclass.org/ams6/apply-now-for-african-masterclass-series-6/

Fill in the online application form with your details and area of interest

Submit before slots close, since applications are rolling

For more information about the program, visit the official AMS 6.0 website: africanmasterclass.org

You can also reach the organizers directly:

Email: masterclass@ideationhubarica.org or info@ideationhubafrica.org

About Ideation Hub Africa

Ideation Hub Africa (IHA) is one of Africa's leading public policy, social enterprise incubation/acceleration, and impact advisory organizations. Through the African Masterclass Series, IHA has trained thousands of social entrepreneurs, nonprofit professionals, and changemakers across the continent since the program's earlier editions, partnering with organizations like the Aspire Coronation Trust (ACT) Foundation to widen access and impact.

Why This Opportunity Matters

For Arewa women entrepreneurs, NGO founders, and young leaders looking to scale their ideas with structure, mentorship, and access to funders — AMS 6.0 offers a rare combination: it's free, it's 12 weeks of real depth (not a one-day webinar), and it ends with a live pitch to funders and ecosystem leaders. If you have an idea sitting on the shelf because you lack the right guidance or network, this masterclass is built exactly for you.

Don't wait — applications are rolling and spots are limited to 2,500 participants. Apply now.

Got a business idea that needs structure, or need help registering your business with CAC while you build? Reach out to Ganarious Consults for mentorship, coaching, and business registration support.

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 NiYA x Cascador Founders Programme 2026: Get Up to ₦5 Million Non-Dilutive Funding for Your Startup

If you are a young Nigerian entrepreneur with a business idea or an early-stage startup and you have been searching for free startup funding in Nigeria 2026, the NiYA x Cascador Founders Programme just opened a real door for you. This new partnership between the Federal Ministry of Youth Development (FMYD), the Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA), and Cascador is offering training, mentorship, and up to ₦5 million in non-dilutive funding to young founders — even those who have never registered a business or kept formal financial records.

This post breaks down everything you need to know: what the programme is about, who qualifies, when applications open, and how to apply.

What Is the NiYA x Cascador Founders Programme?

The NiYA x Cascador Founders Programme is a pilot entrepreneurship and funding initiative announced to mark International Youth Day 2026, under the global theme "Different Contexts, Common Aspirations." It is a partnership between:

-FMYD (Federal Ministry of Youth Development) — through its flagship platform NiYA

-Cascador — a Nigeria-focused platform that supports growth-stage founders and has, since 2019, supported 70 companies that have collectively raised more than $125 million

-The programme will take 20 early-stage Nigerian youth founders — including many who don't yet have formal business registration or a financial track record — through an intensive four-week curriculum covering:

•Business fundamentals

•Investment readiness

•Pitch preparation

Training will combine in-person sessions in Abuja, virtual touchpoints, and 1:1 mentorship from experienced founders and industry professionals.

The Reward: Up to ₦5 Million in Non-Dilutive Funding

At the end of the four weeks, participants will pitch at a NiYA/FMYD-organised Pitch Day, where the 8 top-performing founders will each receive:

Up to ₦5 million in non-dilutive funding from Cascador (meaning you don't give up equity in your business)

An Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution to help structure, manage, and scale business operations

Even founders who don't make the final 8 still win big: all 20 graduates retain NiYA alumni status, with priority consideration for future NiYA opportunities.

Who Is This Programme For?

This opportunity is targeted at:

-Early-stage Nigerian youth founders, generally within NiYA's youth bracket of 18–35 years

-Founders still building their businesses — you don't need formal CAC registration or a financial history to apply

-Young Nigerians ready to commit to an intensive, hands-on four-week programme (in-person in Abuja, plus virtual sessions)

-Eligibility note: This programme is open to Nigerian citizens/residents only. If you are outside Nigeria, this particular opportunity does not apply to you, but keep an eye on NiYA's other tracks (Academy, Community, Gigs, and StartUp) which also run periodically.

When Do Applications Open? What Is the Deadline?

Applications open: Wednesday, 19th August 2026

Application deadline: Not yet officially published as of this writing. NiYA typically announces closing dates once the application portal goes live, so bookmark the official page below and check back, or follow NiYA's social channels for the exact cut-off date.

Because slots are limited to just 20 founders for the pilot cohort, it's wise to apply as early as possible once the portal opens rather than waiting until a deadline is announced.

How to Apply

Applications are processed through the official NiYA portal:

👉 Apply here: https://niya.gov.ng

Once on the site, look out for the NiYA x Cascador Founders Programme application link/banner (it will go live from 19th August 2026). You can also stay updated via:

Instagram: @nigerianyouthacademy

X (Twitter): @OfficialNiya_Ng

LinkedIn: NiYA (Nigerian Youth Academy)

Email: support@niya.gov.ng

Why This Matters for Arewa and Nigerian Youth Entrepreneurs

For many young founders in Northern Nigeria and across the country, the biggest barrier to growth isn't ambition — it's access to structured training and non-dilutive capital that doesn't require you to already have a "perfect" business on paper. This programme was specifically designed to meet founders where they are, including those without formal registration, making it a strong fit for informal traders, creatives, agribusiness founders, and fashion/product-based entrepreneurs looking to formalize and scale.

If you've been thinking about registering your business (CAC) or need help getting investment-ready before opportunities like this open, that's exactly the kind of groundwork worth doing now — while you wait for the portal to go live.

This post will be updated once the official application link and deadline go live. Keep checking back on Ganarious Blog for the latest on grants, fellowships, and funding opportunities for Nigerian and Arewa entrepreneurs.

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 Free GIZ Data Governance Certificate Courses for African Policymakers and Professionals 2026 (Apply Now)

 Free online courses Africa 2026, GIZ data governance certificate, Atingi free courses, data governance training for Africans, free certificate courses Nigeria

Data is no longer just a "tech person" wahala. From the app you use to check your bank balance, to the government office issuing your national ID, to the small business tracking customer orders on WhatsApp — data touches everything. And in today's world, whoever manages data well, manages trust, opportunity, and growth well too.

That's exactly why this new opportunity from GIZ, in partnership with the African Union and funded through the European Union's Global Gateway initiative, deserves your attention. It's a set of free, self-paced, certificate-earning online courses on data governance, built specifically with Africa's digital future in mind — and yes, Nigerians are eligible.

If you've been searching for "free online certificate courses 2026," "free data governance training Africa," or "GIZ Atingi free courses," this is the one. Let's break it down the Ganarious way — plain and simple, no grammar wahala.

What Is This All About?

This is a collection of free online courses on data governance hosted on the Atingi digital learning platform, offered through a collaboration between GIZ (the German development agency), the African Union, and the European Union's Global Gateway initiative. The goal is simple: help Africans — from policymakers to everyday professionals — understand how data is managed responsibly, and how good data governance drives trust, innovation, and inclusive growth across the continent.

The courses cover three key areas:

•How Africa's data fits into the global context — how Africa's data economy connects to regional and global systems, and why cross-border data cooperation matters for sustainable development.

•How citizens can have a voice in data governance — how participatory approaches build trust, legitimacy, and accountability in Africa's digital space.

•What happens when data moves across borders — how data creates value as it flows from local systems to cross-border exchanges, and why governance matters at every stage.

Each course is self-paced, meaning you learn at your own speed — no fixed class time, no pressure. And once you complete a course, you earn a certificate.

Why This Matters

You don't need to be a "tech guru" or coder before you understand data governance. In fact, this program is built for non-technical people too — because data governance is about policy, trust, accountability, and how organizations (government or private) use information responsibly. Whether you're running a business, working in government, in NGO/development work, or just building your CV, this is a skill set that is becoming essential in Africa's growing digital economy.

Who Is This For?

These free courses are suitable for:

-Professionals with foundational knowledge of data governance who want regional and global context

-Non-technical practitioners who want to understand the societal, regulatory, and institutional dimensions of data

-Policymakers, government officials, and public sector professionals

Learners interested in building a career in African data governance and digital policy

-Anyone curious about how data shapes public services, business, and daily life across Africa

Eligibility

Open globally, including to applicants across Africa

Nigeria is eligible — anyone in Nigeria (and across the continent) can enrol

No advanced technical background required; the courses are designed to be accessible to non-technical learners

Free of charge for all participants, courtesy of the EU's Global Gateway funding

Deadline for Submission

There is no fixed application deadline for these particular courses. They are self-paced and available on an ongoing basis through the Atingi platform, so you can enrol and start learning at any time. However, opportunities like this can sometimes be updated or archived, so it's wise to enrol as soon as possible to secure your spot and start earning your certificate without delay.

Why Enrol?

✅ The courses are completely free

✅ You learn at your own pace, on your own schedule

✅ You earn a certificate for every course you complete

✅ Backed by credible institutions — GIZ, African Union, and the EU Global Gateway initiative

Application Links (Enrol Directly)

How Africa's data fits into the global context — Click here to enroll

How citizens can have a voice in data governance — Click here to enroll

What happens when data moves across borders — Click here to enroll

You can take one, two, or all three courses — there's no restriction. Each one comes with its own certificate on completion

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 Y-ACT Regional Youth Steering Committee (YSC) 2026–2028 — Apply Now

Dear Youth Leaders,

If you've been looking for a platform that puts your voice directly into youth policy and advocacy across Africa, this one is worth your attention. Y-ACT (Youth in Action), an initiative of Amref Health Africa, has opened applications for its Regional Youth Steering Committee (YSC) 3.0, covering the 2026–2028 term.

What Is the Y-ACT Youth Steering Committee?

The YSC is a strategic advisory body that guides how Y-ACT engages, partners, and advocates with and for young people across Sub-Saharan Africa and the diaspora. It's not a training programme or a fellowship — it's a governance and advisory role. Members sit at the table where Y-ACT's programmes, partnerships, and advocacy priorities are shaped, and they help ensure the organisation stays accountable to genuine youth engagement rather than just paying lip service to it.

As a member, you'll be expected to:

-Provide strategic input into Y-ACT's priorities, programmes, and partnerships

-Advise on youth-focused initiatives and opportunities to expand impact

-Contribute to regional and global engagements, consultations, and advocacy platforms

-Support knowledge development through thought pieces, reports, and policy inputs

-Represent youth perspectives and promote accountability in Y-ACT's youth engagement approach

Who Can Apply?

Eligibility criteria:

-Aged 18–35 years at the time of application

-Have proven experience in youth engagement, advocacy, policy, or development initiatives

-Demonstrate a strong understanding of youth-related issues at the national, regional, or continental level

-Able to commit to active participation, collaboration, and defined deliverables

-Country/region eligibility: Open to youth across Sub-Saharan Africa and the Diaspora. Six members will be selected in total, representing Africa's five subregions — North, West, Central, East, and Southern Africa — plus the diaspora. So this is genuinely continent-wide, and Nigerian applicants (representing West Africa) are fully eligible. Strong emphasis is placed on gender balance, diversity, and inclusion.

Tenure and Selection

Members serve a two-year term, which includes a six-month probationary period.

Selection is competitive: open applications, followed by shortlisting and interviews based on experience, strategic thinking, and alignment with Y-ACT's values. Final selection considers regional representation, diversity, and collective expertise.

What's In It for You?

-Influence continental youth policy and programming

-Participate in high-level regional and global engagements

-Access to networks, learning opportunities, and visibility platforms

-Recognition through certificates, recommendations, and public acknowledgment

A modest honorarium and participation support, where applicable

Deadline

31 August 2026, by 5 PM EAT

How to Apply

Apply via the official Google Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScHhTsGiCEH6duIHpHpPjJWTv9OhV6rw1_jtaCdJwkxJ2C9NQ/viewform

You can also scan the QR code on the official flyer or visit www.yactmovement.org to find out more.

If you're a young leader already active in advocacy, policy, or community engagement circles, this is a genuine seat at a continental table — not just another certificate programme. Don't sleep on it

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 Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI) Cohort 5: Call for Applications Now Open

If you are a young Nigerian with a passion for governance, policy, and public service, here is an opportunity worth your attention. The Legislative Mentorship Initiative (LMI) has opened applications for its 5th Cohort, and applicants have just about three weeks to apply.

What Is LMI?

The Legislative Mentorship Initiative is a leadership development and mentorship fellowship founded by Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, CFR — former Speaker of Nigeria's 9th House of Representatives and current Chief of Staff to the President. LMI was established to develop the next generation of legislators and ethical public sector leaders equipped with the leadership skills, knowledge, and expertise to enhance public service delivery and foster national unity.

The programme runs in partnership with the Office of the Speaker, House of Representatives, the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (COSPAL), and the National Assembly Library Trust Fund (NALTF), with the Leadership Advancement Foundation and National Assembly also listed as partners.

Since its inception, LMI has trained over 200 fellows from 36+ states across Nigeria, and more than 60 alumni now serve in public office — including elected legislators.

What Does the Fellowship Involve?

-LMI is a fully residential fellowship built around:

-Legislative process and parliamentary history training

-Value-based leadership development

-Mentorship from seasoned legislators and public sector leaders

-Internship and career opportunities within public institutions

-Based on past cohorts, the programme typically spans about 10 weeks total — roughly 3 weeks of residential training, followed by an internship placement and virtual training/community engagement. Fellows who complete the programme are conferred the title "Fellow of the Legislative Mentorship Initiative (FLMI)."

Who Is It For?

-The Fellowship is open to Nigerians aged 21–35, and based on prior cohorts, successful applicants typically:

-Are Nigerian citizens

-Hold at least a Degree or HND from a recognized institution

-Show strong leadership potential and a track record of community or societal impact

-Are fluent in English, with clear communication and writing skills

-Demonstrate integrity, patriotism, and commitment to national development

-According to Hon. Henry Nwawuba, Chairman of the LMI Selection Committee, academic qualifications alone won't determine who gets in — the committee is also looking for character, critical thinking, curiosity, and a genuine willingness to learn and serve.

-Country/State Eligibility: Open to Nigerian citizens only, nationwide (all 36 states and the FCT are eligible to apply).

How to Apply

Visit the application portal: https://app.lmi.ng/

Complete the online application form

Submit a Personal Statement and an updated CV

Upload a 1-minute video introducing yourself and explaining why you should be selected

Key Dates

Application Opens

13th August, 2026

Application Closes

3rd September, 2026

Apply Here

https://app.lmi.ng/

Why This Matters

For Arewa youth and young Nigerians more broadly who are serious about a future in policy, governance, or elected office, LMI offers a rare, credible pathway — direct mentorship from sitting legislators, hands-on exposure to how laws are actually made, and a growing alumni network already producing elected leaders. With applications closing in just three weeks, interested applicants should start preparing their CV, personal statement, and video pitch now rather than waiting till the deadline.

Follow LMI for updates: Instagram @lmi_official | Facebook: Legislative Mentorship Initiative | LinkedIn: Legislative Mentorship Initiative

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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.

Read More »

 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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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.

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 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!

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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.

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