₦2.5m Wema Bank/EDC/Mastercard Transforming Nigerian Youth Program: How to apply
Wema Bank, EDC, and Mastercard launch ₦2.5m Transforming Nigerian Youth Program for entrepreneurs.
Young entrepreneurs in Nigeria now have a chance to access life-changing grants, mentorship, and enterprise training through the ₦2.5 million Wema Bank/EDC/Mastercard Transforming Nigerian Youth Program 2025.
This initiative, designed to empower women and youth across Nigeria’s Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector, provides comprehensive business support ranging from startup funding to market access and expert mentorship.
About the Transforming Nigerian Youth Program
The program is spearheaded by Wema Bank, in partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC) and the Mastercard Foundation.
The goal is to build a strong network of entrepreneurial and managerial change-makers, particularly female entrepreneurs aged 18–35, who can create jobs and drive innovation within their communities.
Through tailored enterprise training, business coaching, and capacity building, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in Nigeria’s competitive business landscape.
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for the Wema Bank/EDC/Mastercard Transforming Nigerian Youth Program 2025, applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Be resident in Nigeria.
- Be a female entrepreneur engaged in any MSME sector.
The program prioritizes young women-owned businesses to boost inclusion and address challenges faced by female entrepreneurs.
Benefits of the Wema Bank/EDC/Mastercard Program
Participants will gain both financial and non-financial support to grow their businesses, including:
- Grants of up to ₦2.5 million for outstanding entrepreneurs.
- Capacity-building workshops delivered at no cost.
- Mentorship by industry leaders in various business sectors.
- Seed funding opportunities to launch or scale businesses.
- Dedicated business support tailored to participants’ ventures.
- Market access and opportunities for networking with other entrepreneurs.
This mix of funding, training, and mentorship makes the program one of the most impactful youth empowerment initiatives currently available in Nigeria.
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Duration and Rewards
The program is structured to provide long-term support, beginning with intensive training and mentorship. Outstanding participants will be selected to receive grants up to ₦2.5 million, as well as ongoing business coaching to ensure sustainability.
With its combination of financial empowerment and knowledge transfer, the initiative aims to transform beneficiaries into self-reliant entrepreneurs and job creators.
How To Apply for the Transforming Nigerian Youth Program
Interested candidates should:
- Visit the official program webpage.
- Click Register to create an account or log in if already registered.
- Complete the online application with accurate personal and business details.
- Actively participate in all required training sessions.
- Submit a business plan, which will be used in the selection process.
Beneficiaries will be chosen based on their level of participation and the quality of their business proposals.
Why This Program Matters
Nigeria’s youth face rising unemployment, limited funding access, and insufficient business training. The Wema Bank/EDC/Mastercard Transforming Nigerian Youth Program directly addresses these gaps by offering skills development, mentorship, and financial support in one package.
By focusing on women and young entrepreneurs, the initiative is expected to create a ripple effect, strengthening Nigeria’s economy, reducing unemployment, and inspiring a new generation of innovative business leaders.