Youth in Work – Innovative Challenge 2025/2026 | Funding & Mentorship for Young Innovators in Kano State

Youth in Work – Innovative Challenge 2025: Overview

The Youth in Work (YiW) Project, implemented by Self Help Africa with support from the World Food Programme (WFP) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has launched the Innovative Challenge.

This initiative seeks to empower young innovators (18–35 years) in Kano State by supporting youth-led and women-led innovations that address critical challenges in agricultural value chains – specifically millet, groundnut, soybean, sorghum, and horticulture.

Eligibility

• Age: 18–35 years.

• Location: Must be a resident of Kano State, Nigeria.

• Focus Area: Innovations within agricultural value chains of:

  • Millet

  • Groundnut

  • Soybean

  • Sorghum

  • Horticulture

• Type of Applicants: Individuals or groups.

• Solutions must be practical, scalable, and sustainable.

Benefits

• Business development support valued at ₦1–2 million.

• Recognition and visibility as a selected innovator.

• Technical mentorship to refine and scale solutions.

• Potential access to seed funding.

• Market linkages to grow and sustain innovations.

Program Components

• Innovation showcase: Opportunity to present solutions addressing agricultural challenges.

• Mentorship program: Expert guidance on scaling and sustainability.

• Capacity building: Training on entrepreneurship, value addition, and agribusiness.

• Networking: Access to local and international partners for growth.

Application Requirements

• Completed Expression of Interest (EOI) form.

• A clear description of the innovation/idea.

• Evidence of practical application or potential impact.

• Must demonstrate how the idea enhances productivity, processing, value addition, storage, or market linkages in the targeted value chains.

Selection Criteria

• Relevance: Solution must directly address challenges in the specified agricultural value chains.

• Innovation: Creative and unique approach to solving problems.

• Impact: Potential to strengthen livelihoods, create jobs, and improve resilience.

• Scalability: Ability to expand and sustain the solution.

• Inclusivity: Preference for youth-led and women-led initiatives.

Application Process

1. Complete the Youth in Work Innovative Challenge Expression of Interest form.

2. Submit your application with a clear and practical description of your idea.

3. Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further screening and presentation.

For more information and application: 

Visit the official website of the Youth in Work – Innovative Challenge 2025/2026 | Funding & Mentorship for Young Innovators in Kano State