Feeding the Next Billion Food Innovation Fellowship 2026 for Young Nigerian Innovators

Applications are now open for the 2026 Feeding the Next Billion Food Innovation Fellowship, a transformative program designed to empower young Nigerian innovators in food value addition and agribusiness.

Organised by Farm Central Intelligence (FarmCI), supported by UNESCO and Nestlé (Because You Matter Program), and delivered with technical expertise from Soilless Farm Lab, this fellowship addresses two pressing challenges in Nigeria:

• Post-harvest food waste
• Youth unemployment

The program equips participants with practical, hands-on skills to transform raw agricultural produce — particularly vegetables, spices, and peppers — into high-value, market-ready products.

Application Deadline: March 10, 2026
Program Type: 5-Day Fully Sponsored Residential Fellowship
Location: Ogun State, Nigeria

What the Fellowship Offers

The 5-day residential program combines technical training with entrepreneurship development, focusing on:

• Food processing and preservation
• Packaging and branding
• Value addition techniques
• Basic business management
• Sustainable food practices

Participants will learn how to reduce post-harvest losses while building viable, income-generating food businesses.

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

Fully Sponsored Residential Training

• Accommodation
• Meals
• Training materials

Transportation Support

• Financial assistance for travel to and from Ogun State

Hands-on Training & Mentorship

• Expert guidance from FarmCI and Soilless Farm Lab professionals

Personalised Starter Kit

• Essential tools and materials to immediately launch a food value-addition business

Networking Opportunities

• Access to fellow innovators, industry experts, and program partners

Certificate of Completion

• Official recognition upon successful completion

Post-Program Support

• Continued mentorship and business development guidance

Program Timeline

Phase 1: Application & Selection

• Applications open
• Review and selection process
• Successful candidates notified

Phase 2: Onboarding & Preparation

• Detailed communication about program expectations
• Preparation guidance for the residential training

Phase 3: Fellowship Experience

• 5-day intensive residential training at Soilless Farm Lab
• Practical workshops and hands-on sessions
• Mentorship and peer learning

Phase 4: Post-Fellowship Growth

• Distribution of starter kits
• Ongoing mentorship and monitoring
• Business development support

Why Apply?

The Feeding the Next Billion Fellowship provides:

• Practical agribusiness skills
• Entrepreneurial mindset development
• Immediate tools to start a food processing venture
• Industry connections
• Fully funded training support

For young Nigerians interested in agribusiness, food processing, and value addition, this is a powerful opportunity to build a sustainable enterprise while contributing to national food security.

Apply for the Feeding the Next Billion Food Innovation Fellowship