Nigeria’s Ministry of Youth Development has rolled out a new round of financial support for youth-led enterprises through the NiYA Start-Up Grant 2.0, alongside the launch of NiYA Gigs, a national digital work platform designed to expand earning opportunities for young Nigerians.
Under the programme, 200 youth-led startups will receive ₦1 million each to scale their products and services, while over 100 young people in the informal sector will get ₦500,000 each to strengthen small enterprises. Officials emphasised that the funds are grants, not loans, aimed at helping young entrepreneurs build sustainable MSMEs.
NiYA Gigs, also introduced at the event, provides access to global outsourcing and digital service jobs, forming part of a wider ecosystem that includes NiYA Academy and NiYA Jobs. The platform is expected to help young Nigerians transition from training to business growth and paid work.
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Partners such as Dubai Digital School, Sapphital, FIRS, NEXIM Bank, and Providus Bank were recognised for supporting the initiative and expanding digital support systems for youth businesses.
Stakeholders described the rollout as another milestone in creating an environment where young entrepreneurs can innovate, grow, and contribute to Nigeria’s emerging MSME economy.
