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.
Why this matters
Diaspora innovators contribute to Nigeria through remittances, skills transfer, and investment but often lack structured platforms to connect, pitch ideas, and secure support. This challenge creates a bridge for diaspora talents while strengthening the innovation ecosystem at home. For young founders and early ventures, especially those eyeing MSME growth, this provides visibility, funding, collaboration channels and potential scaling opportunities.
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.
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.
Programme timeline
- Call for Applications open from 18 November to 12 December 2025.
- Public voting on Instagram holds from 13 to 17 December 2025.
- Winners will be announced on 18 December 2025.
- The final pitch presentation is holds on 19 December 2025 at the JK Randle Centre.
NiDCOM encouraged diaspora youth, innovators and returnees to apply, noting that the initiative will unlock collaboration opportunities, improve talent circulation and inspire more Nigerians abroad to participate in nation building. Partners were also appreciated for supporting the programme and enabling the Commission’s diaspora development drive.
Apply Here
