LocationsCall for Applications - Digital for Youth-Led Enterprise: A Design Thinking Sprint for Young Innovators in Nigeria
October 17, 2025
Digital for Youth-Led Enterprise
About the Programme
The Digital for Youth-Led Enterprise programme is a national 5-day in-person design thinking sprint taking place in Abuja, Nigeria, from 10–14 November 2025.
It will bring together 30 young Nigerians (aged 18–35) from across Nigeria, who are passionate about applying digital innovation to address real-world challenges in Agriculture, Health, and Education - three national priority sectors in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The programme is a House of Representatives; Committee on Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS) initiative, fully funded by UNDP, covering travel, accommodation, and meals for all selected participants.
Over five immersive days, participants will work in small teams to identify problems, ideate solutions, and build prototype digital products or services that contribute to job creation, GDP growth, and social inclusion.
Programme Objectives
Strengthen the capacity of youth to use design thinking and digital innovation to solve sector challenges.
Inspire youth-led entrepreneurship that drives inclusive economic growth.
Foster collaboration and learning across Agriculture, Health, and Education sectors.
Support the development of prototype digital solutions with potential for incubation, mentorship, and scale-up.
Who Should Apply
Applications are open to Nigerian citizens and residents aged 18–35, including:
- Students and recent graduates interested in technology and innovation;
- Early-stage entrepreneurs and startup founders;
- Professionals and practitioners working in Agriculture, Health, or Education;
- Innovators and digital enthusiasts who want to explore how technology can improve lives and livelihoods.
Selection Criteria
Applicants will be evaluated based on:
Originality of ideas – unique insights or approaches to problems in the chosen sector;
Relevance to digital transformation – understanding of how technology can enhance impact;
Feasibility – clarity and practicality of the proposed ideas;
Clarity of problem understanding – strength of evidence and context awareness;
Motivation – personal drive and learning goals;
Diversity – representation across gender, geography, and background.
Programme Design
Participants will be divided into six multidisciplinary teams (five members each) — two teams per sector.
Each team will:
Conduct systems analysis to understand challenges and opportunities in their chosen sector;
Define a problem statement;
Ideate and prototype digital solutions;
Test and plan for a potential minimum viable product (MVP).
At the end of the sprint, teams will pitch their prototypes to a review panel. Selected teams will be connected to mentorship, incubation, and potential seed funding opportunities to advance their ideas.
Intended Outcomes
By the end of the programme:
30 youth innovators will gain practical experience in human-centred digital innovation.
6 prototype digital solutions will emerge targeting challenges in Agriculture, Health, and Education.
A new cohort of youth-led innovators will be connected to mentors, investors, and digital ecosystem partners.
Tangible contributions will be made toward Nigeria’s national goals of job creation, GDP growth, and inclusion.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should complete the online application form by 26 October at:
🔗 https://bit.ly/DigYouthApplicants must:
Select one priority sector (Agriculture, Health, or Education);
Describe observed challenges and opportunities in that sector;
Explain how digital innovation can address or enhance these;
Demonstrate availability to attend the full 5-day sprint in Abuja.
Shortlisted candidates will be notified by 31 October 2025.