The Songhai/Mastercard Youth Agricultural Empowerment Scheme is a transformative partnership between the Songhai Centre and the Mastercard Foundation designed to equip over 3,000 young Nigerians with modern agricultural skills. This three-month intensive boot camp focuses on sustainable farming practices across four key branches: Crop Production, Animal Husbandry, Aquaculture, and Food Processing. The program is specifically targeted at individuals aged 18 to 35, with a strategic goal of ensuring that 70% of participants are young women. Beyond technical training, the scholarship provides full coverage for meals, accommodation, and training materials, culminating in a certification and financial seeding for participants’ agricultural ventures.
Songhai/Mastercard Youth Agricultural Empowerment Scheme 2026 Summary Table
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Songhai Centre / Mastercard Foundation |
| Study Location | Nigeria (Oyo, Ebonyi, Owerri) |
| Category | Agricultural Training / Empowerment |
| Eligible Countries | Nigeria |
| Reward | Full Sponsorship + Feeding + Accommodation + Business Support |
| Target Demographic | 18–35 years (70% Women) |
| Application Deadline | Ongoing / Not Specified |
Songhai/Mastercard Youth Agricultural Empowerment Scheme 2026 Details
The Songhai/Mastercard partnership is a visionary initiative aimed at revitalizing Nigeria’s agricultural sector by empowering the youth. By combining Songhai’s renowned “Integrated Farming System” with Mastercard Foundation’s commitment to youth employment, this program creates a pathway for young Nigerians to transition from job seekers to job creators.
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The three-month boot camp is not merely a classroom exercise; it is a hands-on immersion into the life of a modern agro-entrepreneur. Participants are trained to see agriculture as a profitable business rather than a subsistence struggle, utilizing technologies that respect the environment while maximizing yield.
Scholarship Details
This empowerment scheme is strategically located in three key Nigerian hubs—Oyo, Ebonyi, and Owerri—to ensure accessibility for regional candidates. The curriculum is designed to be rigorous and practical, ensuring that by the end of the 90-day period, every participant is capable of managing a modern farm or launching a processing unit.
The Mastercard Foundation’s involvement ensures that the “Young Africa Works” strategy is implemented effectively, providing the financial backbone for the program so that qualified candidates can focus entirely on their skills acquisition without the burden of training costs or living expenses.
Benefits of the Songhai/Mastercard Youth Agricultural Empowerment Scheme 2026
Tier 1: The Integrated Agriculture Full Sponsorship (Total Coverage)
- Full Excellence Award: This is the primary tier of the scholarship. It covers 100% of the tuition fees for the three-month intensive training program. Additionally, it provides “Full Boarding” which includes daily meals and secure on-site accommodation for the entire duration of the boot camp.
Tier 2: Technical & Certification Support
- Materials & Professional Grant: This tier ensures that students have all necessary tools for success. It covers the costs of all training materials, field equipment, and the final professional certification fee. This certification is recognized within the Nigerian agro-industry as a mark of quality training.
Tier 3: Entrepreneurial Seeding & Business Support
- Post-Training Financial Support: Granted to graduates who successfully complete the program with a viable business plan. This includes financial support to scale their existing agricultural ventures or launch new agro-enterprises, providing the essential “seed capital” needed for takeoff.
Eligibility Requirements for Songhai/Mastercard Youth Agricultural Empowerment Scheme 2026
- Academic/Leadership: Participants must demonstrate a strong passion for agriculture. While no specific academic degree is required, they should show leadership potential or existing engagement in an agricultural venture.
- Study Status: Open to Nigerian residents who are currently unemployed, underemployed, or looking to scale up an existing agribusiness.
- Age & Gender: Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years of age. Preference is given to women to meet the 70% participation target.
- Program Admission: Candidates must be physically fit and willing to travel to and reside at one of the training centers (Oyo, Ebonyi, or Owerri) for the duration of the program.
How to Apply for Songhai/Mastercard Youth Agricultural Empowerment 2026 (Step by Step)
- Access the Application Form: Visit the official Songhai/Mastercard partnership portal or use the authorized application link provided by the scholarship region.
- Select Training Track: Choose your preferred branch of agriculture (Crop Production, Animal Husbandry, Aquaculture, or Food Processing) based on your career goals.
- Submit Documentation: Complete the online form with your personal details, age verification, and a brief statement on your agricultural passion or existing venture.
- Notification of Award: Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview or screening process. Successful applicants will receive an admission letter detailing their training location and start date.
Application Deadline: Ongoing
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Do I need to pay for feeding or accommodation during the training?
No, the Songhai/Mastercard scheme is fully sponsored, meaning your meals and accommodation are provided free of charge for the 3-month period.
2. Is there an age limit for the application?
Yes, the program is specifically for youth between the ages of 18 and 35.
3. Which states in Nigeria will the training take place?
The training boot camps are held at the Songhai centers in Oyo, Ebonyi, and Owerri.
4. Do I need a university degree to apply?
No, a university degree is not a mandatory requirement. The focus is on your passion for agriculture and your ability to implement what you learn.
5. What are the four main areas of training?
The program covers Crop Production, Animal Husbandry, Aquaculture, and Food Processing.
6. Is this scholarship open to people outside Nigeria?
Currently, this specific Youth Agricultural Empowerment Scheme is targeted at young Nigerians residing in Nigeria.
7. Do I need IELTS or any English proficiency test?
No, IELTS or other English language tests are not required for this vocational training program.
8. Will I receive money after the training?
Yes, the program includes financial business support for selected graduates to help them seed or scale their agro-ventures.
9. What is the goal regarding female participation?
The program aims to ensure that 70% of the 3,000 targeted participants are young women.
10. How long is the training program?
The intensive agricultural boot camp lasts for a duration of three months.
