In Nigeria’s fast-changing agricultural landscape, grants remain a lifeline for farmers and agripreneurs trying to grow their businesses. Whether you’re raising poultry, processing cassava, or building a climate-resilient agritech solution, funding can make a huge difference.
As of August 2025, these three major grant opportunities are still open—or expected to reopen—this year. If you’re a farmer, agro-innovator, or youth-led enterprise, now is the time to explore and apply.
- Mastercard Foundation Agribusiness Challenge Fund
This fund, managed under the Fund for Resilience and Prosperity, targets agricultural small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria and 19 other Sub-Saharan African countries.
What’s on offer:
Grant funding between $500,000 and $2.5 million
Multiyear support for scalable, impactful agribusinesses
Who can apply:
Registered agribusiness SMEs operating in Nigeria
Projects that focus on climate adaptation, technology, or job creation—especially for youth, women, and people with disabilities
Deadline:
The primary call ended in November 2024, but additional funding cycles are expected to roll out throughout 2025.
How to apply:
Visit the official Mastercard Foundation Fund for Resilience & Prosperity portal to register your business, upload your documents, and submit your proposal. Ensure your submission includes a business plan, registration documents, and financial projections.
More info:
https://edfrica.org/call-for-applications-mastercard-foundation-agribusiness-challenge-fund-2024-2025-for-smes-up-to-2500000
- Songhai/Mastercard Foundation Youth Agriculture Empowerment Program
This initiative is designed for young Nigerians, especially women, interested in building a career in agriculture. It offers hands-on training and seed funding, delivered through the proven Songhai integrated farming model.
What’s included:
A 3-month intensive agribusiness management training
Access to seed capital for your agri-project
Practical farm management skills in areas such as aquaculture, livestock, crop production, and food processing
Who can apply:
Nigerian youth aged 18–35
Individuals passionate about working in agriculture or agribusiness
Willingness to attend the full training program
Deadline:
Applications are ongoing for 2025. Deadlines vary based on training intake sessions, so early submission is encouraged.
How to apply:
Complete your application via the official Songhai/Mastercard Foundation program page. You’ll need to fill out a form and provide a personal statement and proof of education or prior interest in agriculture.
More info:
https://www.scholarshiptab.com/scholarships/songhai-mastercard-foundation-2025-agribusiness-management-training-for-young-nigerians
- Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF)
The Nigeria Youth Futures Fund (NYFF) supports youth-led ideas and enterprises driving innovation, inclusion, governance, and social development—especially in sectors like agriculture.
What’s on offer:
There are three tiers of funding:
Small Grants for community-based initiatives
Development Grants for growing enterprises
Catalyst Grants for high-impact, scalable solutions
Who can apply:
Youth-led or youth-focused organizations and enterprises
Projects centered around agriculture, food systems, rural development, or youth engagement
Applicants demonstrating leadership, innovation, and community inclusion
Deadline:
The 2025 grant cycle is expected to open mid-year. Application windows are time-bound, so stay alert to official updates.
How to apply:
During open calls, visit the NYFF application portal and submit your proposal, including details about your project, team, budget, and intended outcomes.
More info:
https://tradetest.ng/top-grants-in-nigeria-2025
Tips to Increase Your Chances of Success
If you’re planning to apply for any of these grants, follow these steps to improve your chances:
Start early and give yourself enough time to gather documents
Be clear and concise—explain your project’s purpose, target beneficiaries, and expected outcomes
Provide evidence of sustainability and scalability
Emphasize job creation, especially for youth and women
Get advice from mentors or support groups like AgropreneurNG or local NGOs
Final Thoughts
These three grant opportunities offer real chances for Nigerian farmers, agribusiness owners, and young innovators to access funding, training, and long-term support. Whether you’re just starting out or expanding an existing venture, now is the time to take action.
Don’t wait for the “perfect moment”—opportunities like these can change the future of your farm or business.
Got Questions or Need Help Applying?
Leave a comment below or reach out via [AgropreneurNG](https://www.agropreneurng.com/)—we’re here to support your journey.
