Abuja Enterprise Agency unveils second edition of youth fund competition

…Opens application portal, targets ages 18–35

The Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA) has launched the second edition of the Abuja Young Entrepreneurs’ Fund Competition, opening its application portal to young innovators across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and beyond, with a renewed focus on empowering entrepreneurs aged 18 to 35.

Speaking at the opening ceremony on Wednesday in Abuja, Chudi Ugwuada-Ezirigwe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AEA, said the initiative builds on the success of the inaugural edition held last year and is designed to expand opportunities for young Nigerians in key sectors of the economy.

He described the competition as a strategic platform aimed at reducing youth unemployment by supporting creativity, innovation, and enterprise development, particularly among graduates and skilled young people.

“This second edition is expected to be bigger, better, and more rewarding. The idea is to provide a structured platform for young people who are innovative and ready to build sustainable businesses, while also partnering with government efforts to deliver economic growth,” he said

Ugwuada-Ezirigwe noted that the programme reflects the government’s commitment to human capital development, adding that investment in infrastructure must be matched with investment in people to ensure long-term economic sustainability.

“We also have responsibilities as citizens to encourage the government to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people that they are meant for. And this is one of those kinds of things that the government is doing to make sure that young people don’t continue roaming the streets after school, where they have talent, skills, and abundance that continues to wait for tapping.

“And then, of course, to the glory of God, as we are all in agreement, that the leadership of Abuja Investment under Her Excellency Ambassador Tamuno, you know, have continued to deliver innovative and novel ideas such as this one,” he added

He also explained that the 2026 edition will focus on three key sectors: Information and Communication Technology (ICT), creative industries, particularly fashion, and agriculture. According to him, the application portal, www.Ayehunt.com, opened at midnight and will remain accessible to eligible applicants, with the programme widely publicised across digital, television, radio, and other media platforms.

Also speaking, Maureen Tamuno, Managing Director of the Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL), Ambassador, represented by Abiodun Akanbi, Chief Investment Officer, described the initiative as a deliberate investment in the future of the FCT’s economy.

She said the programme is aimed at equipping young entrepreneurs with the tools, mentorship, and funding opportunities needed to transform ideas into viable businesses.“This program is a partnership between Abuja Investment Company Limited and Abuja Enterprise Agency. It is an intentional investment for the future, which aims to give young entrepreneurs more authority, create new ideas, and create jobs in the FCT. We all know that the youth need innovation and resilience, drive, and what makes the economy strong. But talent is not enough, on its own, to make this youth prosper.

“Therefore, this program serves as an enabler, for the youth, to turn their ideas, into business, into new businesses. This program, Talent Hunt, will give participants access to mentorship and training, tailored to help improve their business skills. They will also be able to pitch their ideas to investors, and the general public. This, we believe, is how ecosystems are built,” Tamuno said.

Akanbi also highlighted improvements in the FCT’s business environment, noting that it has moved from 31st to 4th position in the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) ease of doing business ranking, describing it as evidence of ongoing reforms.

She added that AICL is working with relevant agencies to strengthen investment aftercare services, ensuring that businesses that emerge from the FCT ecosystem receive continuous support.

The organisers encouraged eligible youths to take advantage of the opportunity, assuring that the competition is designed to be transparent, impactful, and life-changing for participants.