Apply: Opay National Innovation Challenge 2026

The Opay National Innovation Challenge is an expanded, holistic initiative that builds on OPay's flagship $1.2 billion, 10-year scholarship commitment. By combining financial aid with an innovation challenge, professional skill-building, mentorship, and job placement opportunities, it provides talented Nigerian undergraduates with an enabling platform to become the next generation of African tech innovators and drivers of digital transformation.

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Objectives

1. Build digital and problem-solving skills in Nigeria's next generation of innovators.

2. Drive technology solutions for real social impact — from healthcare to agriculture to finance.

3. Connect top talent with mentorship, funding, and Career opportunities in Africa's tech ecosystem.

Innovation Theme

Participants can innovate across any of these high-impact sectors reshaping Africa's future.

• Fintech & Digital Payments
• Healthtech e Cybersecurity & Data Protection e Edtech
• Al & Automation for Social Good
• Climate & Sustainability Solutions e Agritech Digital Tools for SMEs & Informal Sector

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in Al-assisted design (canva-gemini workflow)
2. Must be an undergraduate student offering any course of study in a Nigerian Tertiary Institution.
3. Must have a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) score of 2.8/4 for Colleges/Polytechnics, or 3.5/5 (second class upper credit) for Universities.
4. Preference will be given to students who can demonstrate significant financial hardship.

How to apply

Prizes/Benefits and how to apply can be found here https://www.opayweb.com/innovation-challenge

Closing date: 14th May 2026