Mastercard Foundation Youth in Work Innovative Challenge (With up to ₦2Million in Grant)

Published: September 26, 2025
Deadline: Ongoing
Category: Grants
Eligible Locations: Nigeria

The MasterCard Foundation Youth in Work Innovative Challenge is still accepting applications. Interested candidates are urged to click here to learn more about this opportunity and to apply.

About Mastercard Foundation Youth in Work Innovative Challenge

The Youth in Work (YiW) Project, implemented by Self Help Africa, with support from World Food Programme in partnership with Mastercard Foundation aims to strengthen livelihoods, create employment opportunities, and enhance the resilience of young women and men in Kano State. The Innovative Challenge is a strategic initiative to identify, nurture, and support exceptional young innovators (aged 18–35) who are developing practical, creative solutions to address challenges in the agricultural value chains of millet, groundnut, soybean, sorghum, and horticulture.

Sponsor Organisation: Mastercard Foundation

Benefits of Mastercard Foundation Youth in Work Innovative Challenge

₦1–2 Million grant support
Technical mentorship from experts
Business development support
Recognition and visibility for innovations
Opportunities for seed funding and market linkages

Mastercard Foundation Youth in Work Innovative Challenge Requirements

Applicants must:

Be residents of Sokoto State
Be young innovators aged 18–35 years
Have practical, creative, and scalable solutions in eligible agricultural value chains