NCDF seeks applications for 2025 entrepreneur accelerator
The Nigerian Capital Development Fund, NCDF, in collaboration with the National Board for Technology Incubation and the London School of Social Enterprise and Sustainable Economics has announced the call for applications for the Fortune Entrepreneur Accelerator, Summit & Venture Capital Programme. A statement by NCDF’s Executive Director, Public Sector, Chief Tajudeen Kareem, said the initiative, […]
nigerian capital development fund, ncdf
The Nigerian Capital Development Fund, NCDF, in collaboration with the National Board for Technology Incubation and the London School of Social Enterprise and Sustainable Economics has announced the call for applications for the Fortune Entrepreneur Accelerator, Summit & Venture Capital Programme.
A statement by NCDF’s Executive Director, Public Sector, Chief Tajudeen Kareem, said the initiative, scheduled to culminate in a national summit in Benin City, Edo State in September 2025, is designed to identify, develop, and fund Nigeria’s next generation of 1,000 high-potential startups across strategic sectors such as agriculture, energy, fintech, healthcare, manufacturing, creative industries and climate innovation.
“At the heart of the programme is the NCDF Opportunity Growth Fund, a dedicated venture capital vehicle providing up to N500m in equity investment to selected startups.
“The fund aims to generate over $10bn in long-term value, supporting Nigeria’s goals of wealth creation, youth empowerment and industrial innovation.
“The Fortune Entrepreneur Programme is more than a start-up support initiative — it is a national platform to build unicorn enterprises that will drive Nigeria’s innovation economy. With the right support and capital, Nigerian entrepreneurs can build companies that rival the best in the world”, the Executive Chairman of NCDF, Hareter Babatunde Oralusi explained.
He said the programme is an 8-week accelerator programme with several key benefits for participating startups.
“These benefits are designed to equip startups with the necessary tools and knowledge to succeed and scale their businesses effectively. Access to venture capital funding and long-term scale-up support from NCDF Opportunity Growth Fund with participation fee costing N50,000.
“Eligibility Criteria: Nigerian entrepreneurs aged 18–45 with startups at the idea, MVP, or growth stage, women-led, youth-driven and tech-enabled businesses, strong social and economic impact potential.”