The Solution Innovation District (SID), in partnership with UNDP Nigeria and the Mastercard Foundation, has successfully implemented the Young Africa Innovates (YAI) Programme in Anambra State. Launched in November 2024, the initiative identifies, nurtures, and scales innovative solutions developed by young residents of the state.
YAI was carefully designed to suit Anambra’s unique innovation ecosystem, providing structured support across ideation, mentorship, incubation, and investment readiness. SID hosted the full business incubation, creating an enabling environment for innovators to develop and refine their ideas.
Supporting Anambra’s Vision
The programme aligns with Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of positioning Anambra as Nigeria’s Start-up and Creative Capital, emphasizing youth empowerment, technology, and economic transformation.
Participation and Support
Thousands of applications were received, with 300 ideas shortlisted. To enable participants to fully focus on their innovations, all were:
✅ Accommodated
✅ Provided with meals
✅ Transported to programme activities
✅ Covered for basic medical needs, including hospitalisation when necessary
Through bootcamps, mentorship, and technical workshops, innovators were prepared for the Stage-Gating Phase of full business incubation, which lasted three months.
Grant Funding
A total of ₦178 million was awarded to 31 high-potential innovators, enabling them to prototype, test, and scale solutions across commerce, digital technology, agriculture, energy, creative industries, and financial inclusion.
Grant Breakdown:
23 Ideation-stage businesses – ₦4M each
4 Prototyping-stage businesses – ₦7.5M each
4 Businesses with functional prototypes – ₦14M each
On 4th December 2025, the innovators showcased their ideas at the YAI Innovation Showcase held in Awka. We appreciate the Commissioners for Industry and Youth Development for their support.
Notable Innovations:
Smart Mobility Glasses for PWDs – obstacle detection and voice-guided navigation
Offline Financial Inclusion Solution – secure financial services without internet connectivity
Sustainable Thermo-Controlled Mobile Storage – eco-friendly, temperature-regulated storage for agriculture and small businesses
Programme Impact & Next Steps
The YAI programme is:
✅ Expanding Anambra’s pipeline of early-stage innovators
✅ Driving job creation and enterprise development
✅ Strengthening the innovation ecosystem through government, development partners, and community collaboration
✅ Supporting a skill-based, technology-enabled economy
We are grateful to UNDP and the Mastercard Foundation for supporting Mr Governor’s vision of making Anambra the creative capital of Nigeria and a home for innovative startups. We also appreciate our implementing partner, Nedz Factory, for delivering the programme as designed.
At SID, we remain committed to mentoring these innovators, connecting them to stakeholders, supporting scaling opportunities, and expanding market access, as we work to make Anambra a model of innovation-driven development and a hub for globally competitive youth talent.
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