Completed
Startup Pitch 1.0
Seed funding, an ERP solution, and business support for the founders selected.
14,000+
Applications received
ABOUT NiYA
NiYA's Vision is 7 Million Strong
The Nigerian Youth Academy (NiYA) is a youth-focused programme of the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, created to empower young Nigerians with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities to shape their future and contribute to Nigeria’s development.
With a commitment to empower and train 7 million youth within two years, the NiYA ecosystem brings together learning, employment, entrepreneurship, innovation, and community, creating pathways for young Nigerians to become architects of the future they envision. Our commitment is clear:
- To Empower and Train 7 Million Youth Within the Next 2 Years
- Generate 5 Million jobs within the next 3 years
- Increase the Productive Capacity of Nigeria Through its Youth
- Grow the Nigerian Digital Economy
Powered By
FMYD
SAPPHITAL
HAPPENING NOW | NIYA × CASCADOR FOUNDERS PROGRAMME
From Ideas to Investment-Ready Buinesses
NiYA and Cascador are partnering to equip young Nigerian founders with the skills, mentorship and support they need to build investment-ready businesses and access growth capital.
This programme is designed to go beyond traditional training by helping young entrepreneurs strengthen the foundations of their businesses, improve their operational structure, and develop a clear pathway toward sustainable growth. Through a combination of expert-led sessions, hands-on guidance, and practical business development support, participants will gain the tools needed to move from early-stage ideas to structured, scalable enterprises that are ready for investment and long-term success.
Participants will also benefit from direct exposure to experienced mentors and industry professionals who understand what it takes to build and scale successful businesses in today’s competitive environment. The programme places strong emphasis on real-world application, ensuring that founders are not only learning concepts but actively applying them to refine their business models, improve their value propositions, and prepare compelling investment pitches.
8 Founders. Up to ₦5 Million Each. Non-Dilutive Funding.
One Platform, Many Doors
The NiYA Ecosystem
Learn
NiYA Academy
Practical, self paced courses built for Nigerian realities. Finish a track and earn a certificate that proves it.
Work
NiYA Jobs
Verified openings from employers hiring young Nigerian talent. Build one profile, then apply with it anywhere.
Earn
NiYA Gigs
Short term paid briefs for members who want to earn now. Take on projects and build a track record as you go.
Connect
NiYA Community
Peer groups, mentors and conversations that keep you moving. Find collaborators building what you are building.
Build
NiYA Startup Series
Startup 1.0 and 2.0 carry founders from idea to funded business through training, pitching and mentorship.
Reach
NiYA Greenhouse
NiYA in all 774 Local Government Areas, through government structures and ambassadors. Same access, anywhere.
Youth Enterprise at Scale
The NiYA Startup Series
Backed by FMYD & FIRS
Startup Pitch 2.0
Youth-led tech startups sharing a national funding pool, with mentorship and enterprise tools.
100
Startups selected
₦100M
Total funding pool
Applications open
NiYA × Cascador
Four intensive weeks in Abuja. Eight founders leave with capital and keep their equity.
20
Founders in the pilot cohort
₦5M
Non-dilutive, to each of 8
NiYA X Cascador applications close Friday, 21 August 2026
Apply on NiYA →
The Ministry of Youth Development is Nigeria’s leading government organization to empowering young Nigerians. Through initiatives in education, skills training, employment, and entrepreneurship, it strives to provide resources and opportunities that help youth realize their potential and actively contribute to the nation’s growth.
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