The Young Africa Innovates (YAI) Programme, a flagship partnership between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Mastercard Foundation, is expanding into its second cohort (2026–2027). While applications are currently open for young innovators, the programme’s success also depends on strong implementing partners who can deliver on-the-ground support across new states.
About the Young Africa Innovates Programme
YAI identifies, incubates, and scales youth-led innovations that drive inclusive socio-economic development in Nigeria. It prioritises young people aged 18–35 from underserved communities, with strong targets for women (around 80%) and persons with disabilities (about 10%). The programme turns ideas into viable ventures through a structured journey: pipeline activation, bootcamps, stage-gating/incubation, and market access support including training, mentoring, technical guidance, and catalytic funding.
Cohort 1 results demonstrated clear impact: over 9,158 applications received, 1,348 solutions taken through bootcamps, 205 ventures incubated, and more than 815 work opportunities created. Innovators tackled challenges in sectors such as education, healthcare, financial inclusion, commerce, tourism, creative economy, agriculture, and energy.
Cohort 2 Focus
Cohort 2 runs across seven states: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Katsina, Niger, Plateau, and Taraba. Six of these are new to the programme (Akwa Ibom continues from Cohort 1). Applications for innovators opened in August–September 2026, with bootcamps planned for September–October 2026 and incubation from November 2026 to January 2027.
Eligibility for innovators is straightforward:
- Age 18–35 at the time of application
- Resident in one of the seven Cohort 2 states
- An idea that solves a real problem, with some progress toward making it usable (a registered business is not required)
- Open to any sector
How to Apply
Interested applicants can apply using the official innovator application portal Link provided 👉 Here
The Role of Implementing Partners
YAI is delivered through a network of state-level and technical implementing partners. These organisations handle critical functions such as:
- Local outreach and pipeline activation
- Facilitation of bootcamps and residential workshops
- Mentorship coordination and peer-learning circles
- Stage-gating/incubation support (business development, product refinement, MVP testing)
- Event management for state showcases
- Ecosystem engagement with government, private sector, academia, and investors
In previous phases, UNDP has issued Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and calls for firms or regional partners to undertake these activities in specific states. Partners are typically experienced organisations with proven capacity in youth entrepreneurship, innovation support, inclusive programming, and operations in the target states.
Opportunity for Prospective
Implementing Partners
As Cohort 2 scales into new geographies, UNDP continues to engage qualified partners to ensure effective, locally owned delivery. Interested organisations should monitor official channels for formal calls:
- UNDP Nigeria procurement notices (via the Quantum portal or UNGM)
- The YAI programme website and UNDP Nigeria communications
- Direct engagement with the programme team
Strong candidates generally demonstrate:
- Experience working with youth, women, and persons with disabilities in underserved communities
- Presence or operational capacity in one or more Cohort 2 states
- Expertise in innovation incubation, business development support, or related technical areas
- Ability to manage inclusive, results-oriented programmes aligned with UNDP and Mastercard Foundation standards
Nigeria’s youth population holds immense potential for solving local challenges at scale. By pairing ambitious innovators with capable implementing partners, YAI builds not only individual ventures but also stronger state-level innovation ecosystems. Cohort 2 represents an opportunity to extend this model into new regions, creating dignified work and systemic impact.
Organisations interested in partnering should watch UNDP procurement platforms and programme updates closely. Together, these efforts continue to position young Nigerians as central drivers of inclusive development.
