Songhai/Mastercard Youth Agricultural Empowerment Scheme 2026
✦ AI Summary
Are you a young Nigerian passionate about agriculture and seeking a fully funded opportunity to kickstart or scale your agribusiness career?
Are you a young Nigerian passionate about agriculture and seeking a fully funded opportunity to kickstart or scale your agribusiness career?
The Songhai/Mastercard Youth Agricultural Empowerment Scheme 2026 offers an exceptional pathway for Nigerian youth and aspiring agro-entrepreneurs to gain hands-on training in sustainable agriculture and agribusiness development.
Delivered in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, this fully sponsored initiative is designed for young people who are ready to transform Nigeria’s agricultural sector and build sustainable livelihoods.
If you are searching for fully funded agriculture programmes, youth empowerment opportunities in Nigeria, or practical agribusiness training, this programme is an excellent fit.
About the Opportunity
The Songhai/Mastercard Youth Agricultural Empowerment Scheme 2026 is a collaborative initiative between the Songhai Center and the Mastercard Foundation, created to train and empower over 3,000 young Nigerians within three years, with a target of 70% female participation.
The programme features a three-month intensive boot camp focused on sustainable farming systems, agribusiness and farm management, and practical agricultural operations.
Training takes place in key locations including Imo and Ebonyi States in Southeast Nigeria, preparing participants to become modern farm managers, skilled technicians, and successful agro-entrepreneurs.
Required Documents
The application process is simple and inclusive, with minimal documentation required:
- Proof of identity such as a National ID card, international passport, or voter’s card
- Age verification through a birth certificate or age declaration affidavit
- Optional but recommended personal statement describing your interest in agriculture or current venture
- Valid contact information including phone number and email address
Academic transcripts are not required, as selection is based on passion, commitment, and entrepreneurial potential.
How to Apply
Applying for the Songhai/Mastercard Youth Agricultural Empowerment Scheme 2026 is straightforward and entirely online:
- Click the "Apply Now" Button above
- Visit the official application portal via the Google Form
- Complete your personal details, including name, age, location, and contact information
- Describe your interest in agriculture and any existing or proposed agribusiness venture
- Upload the required identification and age verification documents
- Review and submit your application
- Monitor your email or phone for updates from the programme coordinators
Applicants may contact the programme team using the provided contact details if further clarification is needed.
Application Deadline
The Songhai/Mastercard Youth Agricultural Empowerment Scheme 2026 operates on a rolling application basis.
Applications are currently ongoing, and training batches are filled as qualified candidates are selected. Early application is strongly encouraged, as available slots are limited and filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Requirements
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- To qualify for this fully funded agricultural empowerment programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:
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- Age between 18 and 35 years
- Nigerian nationality, with priority for applicants in or near Imo, Ebonyi, and other participating states
- Strong interest in agriculture, with an existing venture or a clear passion to start one
- Willingness to participate in a three-month, in-person training programme in Nigeria
- Priority consideration for young women to meet the programme’s 70% female participation goal
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- No prior formal education or academic background in agriculture is required, making the programme accessible to motivated beginners and aspiring entrepreneurs.
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What We Offer
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- Participants in the Songhai/Mastercard Youth Agricultural Empowerment Scheme 2026 enjoy a wide range of benefits, making it one of the most attractive agriculture empowerment programmes in Nigeria:
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- Fully sponsored training covering tuition, accommodation, and meals throughout the three-month boot camp
- Hands-on practical experience in sustainable farming, agribusiness, and modern agricultural technologies
- Entrepreneurial support through mentorship, business guidance, and potential seed support
- Networking opportunities with fellow youth, agribusiness leaders, and green-economy experts across Africa
- Career advancement opportunities as a farm manager or technician, supporting employment and self-employment
- Strong focus on women empowerment, with 70% of available slots reserved for young women
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