By Jimoh Babatunde

Abuja – Nigeria’s young innovators are set to unveil sustainable, youth-led solutions at a series of state-level innovation showcases organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.

The events will take place in Lagos, Anambra, Kaduna, Kwara, Ekiti, Akwa Ibom, and Borno from December 4 to 18, 2025, providing a platform for young innovators to pitch ideas, exhibit prototypes, and engage stakeholders from government, private sector, civil society, academia, and investors.

The Young Africa Innovates Programme received over 9,000 applications earlier this year. Following rigorous screening, 1,348 youths were admitted into bootcamps focused on business models, design thinking, and impact planning. Of these, 205 innovators advanced to the Stage Gating phase, an incubation period to test, validate, and scale their ideas.

Over the past four months, participants have engaged in residency workshops, one-on-one mentoring, and peer learning sessions. They developed minimum viable products, strengthened market strategies, built partnerships, and refined go-to-market plans.

Notably, more than 70 percent of the innovators are women, while 14 percent are persons with disabilities, highlighting the programme’s focus on inclusivity and underserved communities.

The showcases will feature exhibition booths for live demonstrations, pitch sessions, fireside conversations with state leaders and industry experts, partnership discussions, and extensive media coverage across TV, radio, print, and digital platforms.

“Innovation isn’t just about technology; it’s about solving real problems that affect real people,” said Elsie G. Attafuah, UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria. “The State Showcase is a celebration of young people building climate solutions, inclusive fintech tools, waste-to-wealth platforms, agro-logistics systems, and more. This journey has boosted their confidence, clarified their ideas, and helped them form critical connections.”

Attafuah emphasized the joint focus with the Mastercard Foundation on supporting atypical innovators, including women, persons with disabilities, and youth from underserved communities. She noted that the programme aims to connect these innovators to Nigeria’s broader innovation ecosystem, ensuring they have platforms to grow, scale, and lead lasting change.

The partners stated that the Young Africa Innovates Programme is central to creating dignified and fulfilling work for young Africans, particularly those excluded from mainstream innovation. The December showcases are designed to demonstrate how youth-led solutions can contribute to building a knowledge-driven and resilient society.