Songhai/Mastercard Youth Agricultural Empowerment Scheme 2026 opens for Nigerian youths: How to Apply
Songhai/Mastercard Youth Agricultural Empowerment Scheme 2026
The Songhai/Mastercard Youth Agricultural Empowerment Scheme 2026 has officially opened applications for young Nigerians interested in building sustainable careers in agriculture. Backed by the Mastercard Foundation in partnership with Songhai, the program offers a fully sponsored, hands-on agricultural training designed to empower the next generation of farm managers, technicians, and agro-entrepreneurs.
The initiative comes at a critical time as Nigeria seeks to strengthen food security, reduce youth unemployment, and build a resilient green economy. Selected participants will receive free training, accommodation, feeding, certification, and financial support, making the scheme one of the most comprehensive agricultural empowerment programs currently available in Nigeria.
About the Songhai/Mastercard Youth Agricultural Empowerment Scheme
The Songhai/Mastercard Integrated Agriculture Scholarship is a large-scale youth development initiative aimed at training and seeding over 3,000 young Nigerians within three years, with a strong focus on 70% female participation. The program is structured to equip participants with practical agricultural skills, business knowledge, and entrepreneurial support needed to thrive in modern agribusiness.
The 2026 edition marks the first phase of a three-month intensive boot camp, combining classroom instruction with real-life farm practice across multiple agricultural value chains.
Training Focus and Program Structure
The empowerment scheme is designed to produce industry-ready agricultural professionals through immersive training. Participants will undergo a three-month intensive program focused on sustainable agriculture, agribusiness management, and value-chain development.
Training combines hands-on farm experience, mentorship, and enterprise development support, ensuring participants are prepared to either scale existing agribusinesses or launch new agricultural ventures after completion.
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Agricultural Areas Covered Under the Program
Participants will receive specialized training in one of the following key agricultural sectors:
- Crop Production
- Animal Husbandry
- Aquaculture
- Food Processing
These focus areas align with Nigeria’s priority agricultural sectors and offer strong income-generating potential for young entrepreneurs.
Eligibility Requirements for Songhai/Mastercard Agriculture Program 2026
To be considered for the program, applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Be passionate about agriculture or already running an agricultural venture
- Be willing and able to travel to Oyo, Ebonyi, or Owerri for training
- Have a support structure that enables successful implementation of skills learned
The program is open to both beginners and early-stage agribusiness owners seeking to scale operations.
Benefits of Mastercard Youth Agricultural Empowerment Scheme
The Songhai/Mastercard program is fully sponsored, offering selected candidates:
- Free accommodation
- Free feeding throughout the training period
- Free tuition and training materials
- Free certificate of completion
- Financial support to kick-start or expand agro-ventures
These benefits significantly reduce entry barriers for young Nigerians interested in agriculture.
How to Apply for Songhai/Mastercard Youth Agricultural Empowerment 2026
Interested and qualified candidates should:
- Visit the official application portal
- Complete the online application form
- Submit their application as early as possible
Successful applicants will be contacted for the next stage of the selection process. No application fee is required.
FAQ
What is the Songhai/Mastercard Youth Agricultural Empowerment Scheme?
It is a fully sponsored agricultural training program for young Nigerians, jointly organized by Songhai and the Mastercard Foundation to build skills in sustainable farming and agribusiness.
Is the Songhai/Mastercard Youth Agricultural Empowerment Scheme fully funded?
Yes. The program covers accommodation, feeding, tuition, training materials, certification, and financial business support.
Who is eligible for the Songhai/Mastercard Agriculture Program 2026?
Nigerians aged 18–35 who are passionate about agriculture or already running an agricultural venture and can travel to the training locations.
What agricultural areas are covered in the training?
Participants are trained in crop production, animal husbandry, aquaculture, and food processing.
How long is the Songhai/Mastercard agricultural training?
The program runs as a three-month intensive boot camp.
Where will the training take place?
Training centers are located in Oyo, Ebonyi, and Owerri.
Is IELTS required to apply for the Songhai/Mastercard program?
No. IELTS is not required.
What happens after completing the program?
Graduates receive certification and financial support to start or expand their agribusiness ventures.