Young Nigerian entrepreneurs building scalable, technology-driven businesses can apply for the GOSIMA Innovation Fund 2026, a business support and funding programme offering selected entrepreneurs access to an accelerator, expert-led training, business growth support, and up to ₦10 million in grant funding. The programme is looking for young founders aged 18 to 35 with innovative businesses that can solve meaningful problems, create jobs, and scale. Beyond the funding opportunity, selected entrepreneurs go through an intensive business accelerator designed to strengthen their businesses and prepare them for growth and investment.
Key Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Age: Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Nationality: Be a Nigerian founder building an innovative business.
- Business Type: Be developing a scalable, tech-enabled business.
- Problem-Solving: Be addressing a meaningful problem through the business, with potential to create jobs and scale.
Grant Funding
The programme lists ₦10 million in total grant awards across the top three positions, not a ₦10 million grant per entrepreneur:
- Winner: ₦5 million.
- 1st Runner-Up: ₦3 million.
- 2nd Runner-Up: ₦2 million.
Additional Funding Opportunity
Beyond the grant awards, entrepreneurs will have access to a ₦90 million post-SMFEST equity funding opportunity, a separate equity investment opportunity for businesses that meet the relevant requirements.
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Programme Benefits
- Intensive business acceleration.
- Expert-led masterclasses.
- Business growth support.
- Pitch preparation.
- Visibility and networking opportunities with entrepreneurs, experts, and other members of the SMFEST ecosystem.
- Opportunity to pitch before leading experts.
How to Apply
Apply through the official GOSIMA Innovation Fund application portal before the deadline of September 28, 2026. No application fee is stated in the current announcement.
Disclaimer
Edfrica shares opportunities for informational purposes only. Results and funding outcomes are not guaranteed.
