The Young Africa Innovates Programme has entered a new phase with the rollout of State Innovation Showcases across seven states, aimed at highlighting youth-driven solutions addressing community challenges nationwide.

The initiative, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, is designed to support, refine and scale youth-led innovations that can drive inclusive socio-economic development.

The showcases, scheduled to hold from December 4 to 18 in Lagos, Anambra, Kaduna, Kwara, Ekiti, Akwa Ibom and Borno, will feature exhibitions, pitch sessions, fireside conversations and partnership engagements. Government officials, investors, industry leaders, academia and civil society groups are expected to participate.

The programme began with more than 9,000 applications, from which 1,348 young innovators were selected for bootcamps focused on business models, design thinking and impact planning. A further screening produced 205 finalists who entered a structured incubation phase to test and validate their ideas.

Over the past four months, these finalists have undergone residency workshops, one-on-one mentorship and peer learning sessions, building minimum viable products, refining go-to-market strategies and forming partnerships. According to organisers, more than 70% of the selected innovators are women, while 14% are persons with disabilities.

The innovations span areas such as renewable energy, climate resilience, digital financial services, agro-logistics, waste management, community banking, and consumer products. Programme leads say the showcases will enable participants to demonstrate prototypes and engage directly with stakeholders capable of supporting their growth.

UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Elsie G. Attafuah, said the initiative reflects a commitment to strengthening grassroots innovation.

“Innovation isn’t just about technology; it’s about solving real problems that affect real people,” she said. “The State Showcase is a celebration of young people building solutions from climate resilience to inclusive fintech and agro-logistics. Many participants say the programme has provided clarity and connections critical to advancing their work.”

Attafuah noted that the programme places special emphasis on supporting innovators from underserved communities, including women and persons with disabilities, and on linking participants to Nigeria’s wider innovation ecosystem.

The Young Africa Innovates Programme supports UNDP and the Mastercard Foundation’s efforts to expand dignified and productive work opportunities for young Nigerians. Organisers say the statewide showcases demonstrate the potential of youth-led innovation to contribute to a more resilient and knowledge-driven economy.