Call For Applications: BATN Foundation Graduate Agripreneur Program (GAP) – Up to (₦1,500,000) Grant . (Nigeria)

Applications are now open for the Graduate Agripreneur Programme (GAP) organized by the British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATN Foundation). The initiative supports young Nigerian graduates with innovative agribusiness ideas through funding, training, and mentorship.

About the Program

The Graduate Agripreneur Programme (GAP) is designed to help graduates establish sustainable agribusiness ventures and demonstrate that agriculture can be a profitable career path.

The program equips participants with:

Practical agribusiness training

Mentorship from industry experts

Access to land and farming tools

Seed funding to start or scale their agribusinesses

The initiative also aims to reduce youth unemployment and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector by turning graduates into job creators.

The initiative also aims to reduce youth unemployment and strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural sector by turning graduates into job creators.

Grant Value

₦1,500,000 equity-free grant per winner

Total funding for participants can reach over ₦22 million across the cohort depending on the number of selected agripreneurs.

Additional Benefits

Selected participants receive:

Agribusiness capacity development training

Mentorship and business advisory

Access to farmland and farming infrastructure

Market linkages and investor connections

Opportunity to launch agribusiness ventures within partner universities

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants typically must:

Be graduates of agricultural or related faculties

Have a viable agribusiness idea or existing venture

Submit a detailed agribusiness proposal

Be willing to participate in training and pitch sessions.

Businesses can be at idea stage, prototype stage, or already operating.

Partner Universities

The program currently collaborates with institutions such as:

Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta

University of Ibadan

University of Ilorin

Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike

Selection Process

The application process involves:

Submission of agribusiness proposal

Technical review by experts

Shortlisting of top applicants

Live pitch session before a panel

Final selection of winners.

APPLY HERE

Bayer Foundation Women Entrepreneurs Award 2026

The Bayer Foundation Women Entrepreneurs Award 2026 is a global six-month accelerator program designed to empower women leaders who are building proven solutions in health and food security for low- and middle-income communities across Asia, Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East.

The award not only provides funding but is structured to boost investor readiness, strategic capacity, network access, and visibility for women founders tackling urgent global challenges, helping them scale solutions that benefit millions. 

Focus Areas

Startups and ventures that can apply should be driving measurable impact in areas such as:

Health innovations - from women’s and cardiovascular health to affordable access models and digital health infrastructure.

Food security solutions - fighting food waste, reducing malnutrition, boosting smallholder productivity, improving market access, and expanding water/sanitation services. 

 Who Can Apply

You’re eligible to apply if you are:

A woman founder, co-founder, or senior leader with decision-making authority in your venture.

Building a revenue-generating business or social enterprise that has already moved beyond the idea stage.

Addressing critical health or food security challenges with measurable impact for vulnerable communities.

Operating within the defined regions (Asia, Africa, Latin America, Middle East).

Generating traction with up to ~US$1 million in annual revenue, or strong evidence of growth if still pre-break-even.

Formally incorporated on or before 1 January 2025. 

Applications are open now and close on 13 April 2026 

APPLY HERE

Call for Application: Feeding the Next Billion food innovation fellowship for young Nigerian innovators.

The "Feeding the Next Billion" Food Innovation Fellowship is a transformative 5-day residential program designed to empower young Nigerian innovators in the critical area of food value addition. Organized by Farm Central Intelligence (FarmCI), supported by UNESCO and Nestlé through the "Because You Matter" Program, with technical expertise from Soilless Farm Lab, this fellowship addresses the dual challenges of food waste and youth unemployment in Nigeria.

Participants will engage in intensive, hands-on training focused on converting raw agricultural produce—specifically vegetables, spices, and peppers—into high-value, market-ready products. The curriculum is meticulously crafted to equip fellows with practical skills in processing, preservation, packaging, branding, and basic business management. Beyond technical skills, the program fosters an entrepreneurial mindset, promoting sustainable practices that reduce post-harvest losses and contribute to national food security.

The fellowship is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, actively encouraging applications from youths and individuals from Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states. It aims to cultivate a new generation of food entrepreneurs who can drive economic growth, create local employment, and build resilient food systems within their communities.

Participant Incentives and Support

Selected fellows for the "Feeding the Next Billion" Food Innovation Fellowship will receive a comprehensive package of support designed to facilitate their learning and kick-start their entrepreneurial journey:

Fully Sponsored Residential Training: All costs associated with the 5-day intensive residential program, including accommodation, meals, and training materials, will be fully covered.

Transportation Support: Fellows will receive financial assistance to cover their transportation costs to and from the training venue in Ogun State.

Hands-on Training & Mentorship: Access to expert trainers and mentors from FarmCI and Soilless Farm Lab, providing practical guidance and industry insights.

Starter Kit: Each fellow will receive a personalized setup kit containing essential tools and materials to immediately begin implementing their food value addition business upon returning to their communities.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with a vibrant community of fellow innovators, industry experts, and program partners, fostering collaborations and peer support.

Certificate of Completion: A formal recognition of their participation and successful completion of the fellowship program.

Post-Program Support: Access to ongoing mentorship and resources to support the establishment and growth of their businesses.

Program Timeline: Your Journey in the Feeding the Next Billion Fellowship

This timeline outlines the key stages and activities you, as a prospective or selected fellow, will experience throughout the "Feeding the Next Billion" Food Innovation Fellowship. It covers your journey from application to post-program support, ensuring you are well-informed at every step.

Phase 1: Application & Selection

This initial phase is your opportunity to join the fellowship. It begins with the official program announcement and the opening of the application period. You will submit your application, and our team will conduct a thorough review and selection process. Successful applicants will receive notification of their acceptance.

Phase 2: Preparing for the Fellowship

Once selected, you will receive comprehensive onboarding communications, including detailed information about the residential training, what to expect, and how to prepare. This phase ensures you are ready for the intensive 5-day program in Ogun State.

Phase 3: The Fellowship Experience

This is the core of your fellowship journey: a 5-day intensive residential training at the Soilless Farm Lab. You will engage in hands-on workshops, practical sessions, receive mentorship from experts, and network with fellow innovators. This immersive experience is designed to transform your skills and entrepreneurial mindset.

Phase 4: Post-Fellowship Support & Growth

After completing the residential training, you will receive your personalized starter kit and a Certificate of Completion. This phase provides initial mentorship and business development support to help you immediately apply your new skills. We will also follow up on your progress and collect your success stories as you establish and grow your food business.

APPLY HERE

Elevating the Voices of Women in Agriculture (EVWA) 2024

Deadline: June 30th, 2024 

The Elevating the Voices of Women in Agriculture (EVWA) Campaign aims to raise awareness of the lived realities of women farmers in Africa. With the EVWA Changemakers Campaign and the EVWA Council, the BKMC is on a mission to highlight and galvanize action for the empowerment of women farmers in Africa. Women account for nearly half of the world’s smallholder farmers. In Africa, they produce 70% of the continent’s food. Yet, they are the most vulnerable members of the farming community, facing obstacles in accessing land, finances, education, and more, because of gender inequalities and our changing climate.

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR EVWA CHANGEMAKERS 2024!

Nominate yourself as a EVWA Changemaker, and gain the exclusive opportunity to be selected as one of the 30 under 30 exceptional young Africans, who lead projects that contribute to the empowerment of women farmers. Gain global visibility, expand your network, and get the chance to win the prestigious $5,000 EVWA Champion Award! As this year’s EVWA Champion, you will also be featured in a professional documentary showcasing you and your initiative. Don’t miss this opportunity—nominate yourself by Sunday, June 30th!

Eligibility

Are you between 18 and 30 years old?

Are you a national of an African country?

Do you have upper-intermediate English language skills?

Are you leading a project that directly works with and empowers women farmers in Africa?

Nominations

During the nomination process you will need to enter:

Your personal details (e.g. name, contact information, date of birth, citizenship, language competence, short profile description)

Your professional details (e.g. name of organization, function)

Information about your project (e.g. name, location, description, explanation how the project fosters women’s empowerment and considers climate change)

The details of a woman farmer or farmers, whom you personally know and has benefitted from your project (e.g. name, short profile description, how your project affects them)

At the final stage of the nomination

process you will be prompted to attach the following:

An introduction video of yourself (max 30 seconds, MP4 or MOV format): Introduce yourself with your name, nationality, and the name of your project and explain why you think you should be among the EVWA Changemakers 2024!

A picture of yourself (portrait)

A picture of your project (in-action)

If available, a picture of the mentioned woman farmer/farmers

APPLY HERE