What the Young Africa Innovates is all About
For many young people, having a good idea is only the beginning. Turning that idea into something practical, developing a prototype, finding the right support and eventually bringing it to life can be a much bigger challenge.
For young innovators in Plateau State, an opportunity to take that next step is coming their way as the Young Africa Innovates Programme (YAIP), Cohort 2, prepares to hold an information session and application jam in Jos.
Who is Behind the Young Africa Innovates Programme?
The programme, organised by Startup Lab in collaboration with PLATEC, and in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is designed to support young Nigerians in Plateau with ideas, prototypes and innovations that address real-life problems.
This programme will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., at Startup Lab, Jos, opposite Shardoc Bakery, off Rayfield – Zaramaganda Road, Favwei, Rayfield. Attendance is free.
In addition to introducing participants to the programme, the session will provide an opportunity to hear directly from the programme team about what it offers, who is eligible and how interested young people can apply.
There will also be an application jam, where participants can bring their laptops and work on their applications with assistance available along the way.
For a young person who has been sitting on an idea but is unsure how to take it forward, this could be a useful place to start. It offers an opportunity to ask questions, get guidance and better understand what it takes to move from an idea to a practical innovation.
The programme is particularly relevant to young Nigerians between the ages of 18 and 35, especially those developing solutions to challenges within their communities and beyond. Whether it is a prototype still being developed or an innovation that needs further support, interested young people are encouraged to attend and find out if their ideas meet the programme’s requirements.
Applications close on November 18, 2026.
As Plateau continues to explore opportunities for entrepreneurship, technology and youth development, initiatives that give young people the opportunity to develop their ideas and create practical solutions are worth paying attention to.
Sometimes, the difference between an idea that remains in our minds or journal and one that morphs into a meaningful solution is access to the right information, guidance and support.
For interested participants, this session could be the first step towards discovering what is possible.
EVENT DETAILS
Programme: Young Africa Innovates Programme – Cohort 2
Event: Information Session and Application Jam
Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Venue: Startup Lab, Jos, opposite Shardoc Bakery, off Rayfield -Zaramaganda Road, Favwei, Rayfield.
Eligibility: Young Nigerians aged 18 – 35
Attendance: Free
Application deadline: November 18, 2026
Enquiries and directions: 0906 350 8133 (Call or WhatsApp)
Apply: youngafricainnovates.ng
If you have an idea or innovation that could solve a real problem, this may be an opportunity worth exploring.
Apply Here http://youngafricainnovates.ng