Applications have officially opened for the Mastercard Songhai Agricultural Training Scholarship Programme 2026. This offers young Nigerians a unique opportunity to receive intensive training in modern agriculture and agribusiness.
The programme, announced in January 2026, is a joint initiative of the Mastercard Foundation and Songhai, created to equip thousands of Nigerian youths with practical skills needed to succeed in agriculture as farm managers, technicians, and agro-entrepreneurs.
According to the organisers, the project is designed to train and empower over 3,000 young Nigerians within three years, with a strong focus on supporting young women, who make up about 70% of the target beneficiaries.
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About the Mastercard Songhai Agricultural Training and Empowerment 2026
The Songhai/Mastercard Integrated Agriculture Scholarship runs as an intensive 3-month bootcamp that combines classroom instruction with hands-on practical training.
Participants will be exposed to modern, sustainable farming techniques and agribusiness management practices that prepare them for long-term success in the agricultural sector.
The programme is not just about learning—it is designed to help participants build real agricultural businesses and become active contributors to food production, job creation, and economic growth.
Areas of Training
Beneficiaries will receive practical training in key agricultural fields, including:
- Crop production
- Animal husbandry
- Aquaculture
- Food processing and value addition
- Agribusiness and farm management
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What the Agricultural Scholarship Covers
Selected participants will enjoy full sponsorship, which includes:
- Tuition and training costs
- Feeding and accommodation
- Training materials
- Business start-up or growth kit
- In addition, participants will benefit from:
- Mentorship and business guidance
- Market access and linkage opportunities
- Data and insights on production and market trends
The organisers describe the initiative as a long-term investment in building a new generation of agribusiness leaders in Nigeria.
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility)
To be eligible for the Mastercard Songhai Agriculture Scholarship 2026, applicants must:
1. Be Nigerian citizens
2. Be between 18 and 35 years old
3. Already be involved in agriculture or strongly interested in starting an agro-business
4. Be willing and able to travel to Ebonyi or Owerri for the training
5. Show commitment to starting or expanding an agricultural venture after the programme
6. Be ready to apply the knowledge gained from the training
Duration of the Programme
- Length: 3 months (Intensive bootcamp)
- Format: Classroom learning + practical field training
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How to Apply
Interested and qualified applicants should submit their applications through the official Mastercard Songhai programme website.
The number of available slots has not been publicly stated, so early application is strongly advised.
This scholarship is more than just training, it is a pathway to self-reliance, job creation, and sustainable income in Nigeria’s growing agricultural sector. Participants will leave with skills, support, and tools needed to build real agribusiness ventures.
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