Deadline: 15-Oct-2025
Entries are now open for the Nigeria 25under25 Youth Entrepreneurship and Leadership Awards to provide financial support, a year-long incubation program, personalized leadership coaching, and connections to a network of advisors, mentors, and potential investors.
The primary objective is to assist early-stage entrepreneurs in realizing their bold ideas and establishing successful and sustainable businesses.
The focus industries for this initiative span a wide range of sectors, including Active Citizenship & Government Engagement, Agriculture, Arts, Craft & Culture, Beauty & Makeup, Creative Writing & Content Creation, E-commerce, Education, Energy & Sustainability, Environment & Interior Decor, Event Planning, Fashion, Finance & Financial Technology, Food & Drinks, Health & Skincare, Hospitality & Tourism, Manufacturing & Logistics, Media & Communications, Music, Performing Arts, Photography, Professional Services, Social Entrepreneurship, Software & Design, Sports, and Technology.
This initiative provides a unique opportunity for young entrepreneurs under the age of 25 to transform their ideas into impactful businesses. By joining this program, recipients gain access to a dynamic community of over 400 young entrepreneurs, supported by world-class mentors and advisors across various sectors. Being part of this community fosters valuable connections and collaborations across Africa, allowing entrepreneurs to expand their network and influence.
Nominees also benefit from increased visibility within their industry, which can open doors to new opportunities and partnerships. Recognition through this award enhances a business’s credibility, showcasing its achievements and contributions, and signaling to clients and stakeholders that the brand is noteworthy.
The program also provides access to critical resources such as mentorship, workshops, funding opportunities, and industry insights, which are essential for accelerating growth and achieving long-term success. Networking opportunities with industry leaders, potential collaborators, investors, and mentors further strengthen the entrepreneurial journey, creating pathways for meaningful partnerships.
Participating in this award can also serve as a powerful motivator for entrepreneurs and their teams. Recognition reinforces hard work, boosts morale, and inspires individuals to push the boundaries of innovation and excellence. Moreover, the nomination validates the positive impact of their efforts, highlighting their contributions to socio-economic development in Nigeria.
To be eligible, nominees must demonstrate relevant experience and qualifications, be under 25 years old, and have founded a company operating for at least three years. Only Nigerian nationals are eligible, and businesses must comply with local laws and ethical standards. Originality is crucial, with companies required to be registered under the Corporate Affairs Commission, except for those in Creative Writing & Content Creation, Music, Performing Arts, and Sports. Concrete examples of achievements and contributions are required to confirm the impact of the business.
Nominees or individuals familiar with their work can submit applications for this opportunity, which emphasizes nurturing entrepreneurship and fostering sustainable growth across multiple sectors.
The deadline for applications is 15 October 2025.
For more information, visit 25under25 Awards.