The Federal Government has called on Nigerian startups, entrepreneurs, and innovators to apply for the 2026 AfCFTA Startup Acceleration and Partnership Programme launched in collaboration with the Republic of Korea.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the announcement on Tuesday, describing the initiative as a major opportunity for African startups to gain international exposure, mentorship, and investment support.
In a statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the programme was said to have been introduced by the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat in partnership with the Government of South Korea and the Korea-Africa Foundation.
According to the ministry, the initiative aims to strengthen trade, innovation, economic cooperation, and private-sector partnerships between African countries and the Republic of Korea under the AfCFTA framework.
“The initiative is expected to support approximately thirty selected African startups operating within strategic sectors, including fintech, digital commerce, manufacturing, logistics, and agricultural value chains,” the statement read.
The ministry explained that successful applicants would benefit from business acceleration support, mentorship programmes, capacity-building opportunities, market exposure, and investment networking opportunities in South Korea.
It encouraged qualified Nigerian startups with innovative and scalable business ideas to take advantage of the programme to expand their businesses and promote stronger Africa-Korea commercial relations.
Interested applicants were advised to visit the official AfCFTA website for application guidelines, eligibility requirements, and registration procedures.
Application link: AfCFTA Startup Acceleration Programme 2026
The application deadline is May 31, 2026.
The ministry also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting youth entrepreneurship, innovation, continental economic integration, and strategic international partnerships aimed at driving national and regional development.
