The UNDP Digital for Youth-Led Enterprise Programme 2025 invites passionate young innovators across Nigeria to join a 5-day fully funded design thinking sprint in Abuja from 10–14 November 2025.
This national initiative, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the House of Representatives Committee on Corporate Social Responsibility, aims to empower youth with digital skills to design practical solutions in Agriculture, Health, and Education—key pillars of Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
About the Programme
The Digital for Youth-Led Enterprise Programme will select 30 young Nigerians (aged 18–35) who are eager to use technology to solve real-world problems. Over five interactive days, participants will work collaboratively to identify challenges, brainstorm ideas, and develop prototype digital solutions that contribute to economic growth, job creation, and social inclusion.
All selected participants will receive full funding, including travel, accommodation, and meals for the duration of the programme.
Programme Objectives
- Equip young innovators with design thinking and digital innovation skills.
- Inspire youth-led entrepreneurship that promotes inclusive economic development.
- Encourage collaboration among the Agriculture, Health, and Education sectors.
- Support prototype development with opportunities for mentorship, incubation, and scaling.
Who Can Apply
Applications are open to Nigerian citizens and residents aged 18–35, including:
- Students or recent graduates passionate about technology and innovation.
- Early-stage entrepreneurs or startup founders.
- Professionals working in the Agriculture, Health, or Education sectors.
- Innovators and digital enthusiasts seeking to use technology for social good.
Also Apply For: Moniepoint Future Builders STEM Scholarship 2025 for Nigerian Students
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be evaluated based on:
- Originality: Unique ideas addressing challenges in the chosen sector.
- Digital relevance: Effective use of technology to enhance impact.
- Feasibility: Clarity and practicality of proposed ideas.
- Understanding: Depth of problem analysis and context awareness.
- Motivation: Commitment to learning and innovation.
- Diversity: Inclusive representation across gender, regions, and backgrounds.
Programme Structure
Participants will be grouped into six multidisciplinary teams (five members per team) working on Agriculture, Health, and Education. Each team will:
- Conduct sector analysis.
- Define a clear problem statement.
- Ideate and prototype digital solutions.
- Develop a plan for a minimum viable product (MVP).
At the end of the sprint, teams will pitch their prototypes to a review panel. Selected teams may gain mentorship, incubation, or seed funding to scale their solutions.
Expected Outcomes
By the end of the programme:
- 30 youth innovators will gain hands-on experience in digital innovation.
- 6 prototype solutions will address real challenges in Nigeria’s priority sectors.
- Participants will be connected to mentors, investors, and ecosystem partners.
- The initiative will contribute to national goals of job creation, inclusion, and economic growth.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply online before 26 October 2025.
Applicants must:
- Choose one sector: Agriculture, Health, or Education.
- Describe observed challenges and potential digital solutions.
- Demonstrate availability for the full 5-day programme in Abuja.
Shortlisted candidates will be notified by 31 October 2025.
For more information, visit Digital for Youth-Led Enterprise.
