Feeding the Next Billion Food Innovation Fellowship 2026 in Nigeria (Fully Sponsored 5-Day Residential Programme)

The Feeding the Next Billion Food Innovation Fellowship is now open for applications from young Nigerian innovators passionate about food value addition, agribusiness, and sustainable food systems.

This transformative 5-day residential fellowship is organized by Farm Central Intelligence (FarmCI), supported by UNESCO and Nestlé through the “Because You Matter” Program, with technical expertise from Soilless Farm Lab.

The fellowship is designed to equip young Nigerians with practical, hands-on skills to transform raw agricultural produce—especially vegetables, spices, and peppers—into high-value, market-ready products.

Application deadline: 10th March, 2026.

About the Feeding the Next Billion Food Innovation Fellowship

Nigeria faces two major interconnected challenges: high post-harvest food losses and youth unemployment. Large quantities of agricultural produce are wasted due to poor processing, preservation, and storage systems. At the same time, many young people struggle to access meaningful employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.

The Feeding the Next Billion Fellowship addresses these challenges by:

• Promoting food value addition

• Reducing post-harvest losses

• Building youth-led food enterprises

• Strengthening local food systems

• Enhancing national food security

Through a carefully structured 5-day immersive residential experience, participants gain practical skills in processing, packaging, branding, and basic business development.

The program fosters not only technical competence but also an entrepreneurial mindset rooted in sustainability and community impact.

What Fellows Will Learn

The fellowship curriculum focuses on transforming raw agricultural produce into profitable, market-ready products.

Key training areas include:

1. Food Processing and Preservation

• Converting vegetables, spices, and peppers into value-added products

• Extending shelf life through preservation techniques

• Reducing spoilage and waste

2. Packaging and Branding

• Product presentation

• Market positioning

• Brand identity development

• Understanding consumer preferences

3. Basic Business Management

• Business planning

• Costing and pricing

• Market analysis

• Financial fundamentals

4. Sustainable Practices

• Reducing food waste

• Promoting circular economy principles

• Supporting local value chains

The hands-on nature of the training ensures participants leave with practical, actionable skills rather than just theoretical knowledge.

Participant Incentives and Full Support Package

Selected fellows receive a comprehensive support package designed to remove financial barriers and accelerate their entrepreneurial journey.

Fully Sponsored Residential Training

All costs for the 5-day intensive residential training in Ogun State are covered, including:

• Accommodation

• Meals

• Training materials

• Access to facilities at Soilless Farm Lab

Transportation Support

Participants receive financial assistance to cover transportation to and from the training venue.

Hands-On Mentorship

Fellows gain direct access to:

• Expert trainers from FarmCI

• Technical specialists from Soilless Farm Lab

• Industry mentors with practical agribusiness experience

Personalized Starter Kit

Each fellow receives a starter kit containing essential tools and materials to begin implementing their food value addition business immediately after the program.

This practical support ensures participants can transition from learning to implementation without delay.

Networking Opportunities

Participants become part of a growing ecosystem of:

• Food innovators

• Agribusiness entrepreneurs

• Industry partners

• Program alumni

This network creates long-term collaboration and peer support opportunities.

Certificate of Completion

Upon successful completion, fellows receive formal recognition certifying their participation and training.

Post-Program Support

The fellowship does not end after the 5-day residential training. Participants receive:

• Continued mentorship

• Business development guidance

• Follow-up support

• Opportunities to share success stories

Programme Timeline: What to Expect

The fellowship journey is structured into four key phases.

Phase 1: Application and Selection

• Official program announcement

• Application submission

• Review and screening process

• Acceptance notification for selected candidates

Phase 2: Pre-Fellowship Preparation

Selected fellows receive:

• Onboarding communication

• Detailed program information

• Guidance on preparation

• Logistics and travel details

This ensures participants are fully prepared for the immersive residential experience.

Phase 3: The 5-Day Residential Fellowship

Held at Soilless Farm Lab in Ogun State, this is the core of the program.

Participants engage in:

• Hands-on workshops

• Practical food processing sessions

• Mentorship sessions

• Group collaboration

• Entrepreneurial mindset development

This immersive environment encourages intensive learning and peer exchange.

Phase 4: Post-Fellowship Growth and Support

After the training:

• Fellows receive their starter kits

• Certificates are awarded

• Mentorship continues

• Business implementation begins

• Progress follow-ups are conducted

This structured support increases the likelihood of real business creation and sustainability.

Who Should Apply?

The fellowship is designed for young Nigerian innovators passionate about:

• Food processing

• Agribusiness

• Entrepreneurship

• Sustainable food systems

• Reducing food waste

Special encouragement is given to youths from:

• Lagos State

• Ogun State

• Oyo State

However, the program welcomes applicants from across Nigeria.

The initiative promotes inclusivity and diversity in building Nigeria’s next generation of food entrepreneurs.

Why This Fellowship Matters

Food value addition is a powerful economic lever. Instead of selling raw produce at low prices, entrepreneurs can:

• Increase product value

• Create jobs

• Build local brands

• Reduce waste

• Improve income stability

By empowering young Nigerians with skills and tools, the Feeding the Next Billion Fellowship contributes to:

• Youth employment

• Economic resilience

• Food security

• Sustainable agriculture

• Local enterprise growth

Click HERE to learn more and apply.

Discover more global fellowship opportunities on OFY HERE.