- Grant Amount – up to N1,000,000
- Deadline – December 12, 2025
- CLICK HERE TO APPLY
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has announced the launch of the Connected Diaspora x DOWA Start Up Challenge alongside plans for the Connected Diaspora Flagship Event 2025, a move geared toward strengthening diaspora engagement and mobilising global Nigerian talent for national development.
.
The challenge, themed Building, Breaking, and Believing in Nigeria, seeks to empower innovative Nigerians abroad by supporting ideas geared toward transforming sectors and contributing meaningfully to Nigeria’s expanding economy. With cash prizes of up to N1,000,000, the competition focuses on exceptional ideas, ventures, and creative solutions that showcase the potential of diaspora-led innovations. The initiative reflects government efforts to position Nigerians outside the country as strategic drivers of economic growth, enterprise development, and knowledge exchange.
.
The forthcoming Connected Diaspora Flagship Event will be held on 19 December 2025 in Lagos. The gathering will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, technology leaders, and partners to explore collaborations that can accelerate national development. The Deputy Governor of Lagos State will serve as Special Guest of Honour, while a keynote address will be delivered by the Chairman of Zinox Group. Other contributors drawn from Nigeria and the diaspora will enrich discussions and chart future engagement pathways for economic progress.
.
Benefits
- Cash prizes up to N1,000,000 for winning ideas.
- Exposure to investors, government stakeholders and entrepreneurship networks.
- Opportunity to attend the flagship event on 19 December in Lagos.
- Access to mentorship, visibility and key partnerships.
- A Diaspora Talent Career and Internship Fair will also run alongside the event to link diaspora returnees with internship opportunities from DOWA organisations.
Eligibility
- Applicants must be Nigerians in the diaspora or returning diaspora talents with innovative solutions or business ideas.
- Projects or ideas submitted must demonstrate potential for local impact and commercial or social value.
- Applicants must be willing to participate in the final pitch session if shortlisted.
Entries close 7 December 2025.
…………………………………………………………………………………………
At Funding Square, we help African entrepreneurs and organizations access funding through three expert services:
.
- Grant Research Service – Get 50 tailored grant opportunities handpicked for your business or nonprofit, saving you time and effort.
- Grant Proposal Writing – We craft compelling, funder-friendly proposals that grab attention and increase your chances of success.
- Fundraising Business Plan – A powerful, funding-ready business plan designed to attract grants, loans, and investors.
Let’s turn your funding goals into reality!
.
Contact us today by sending us an email at hello@fundingsquare.org