FATE Foundation, with funding from the Citi Foundation, has launched the youth entrepreneurship incubation programme to equip young Nigerians with financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills.

The programme aims to support the incubation and scaling of youth-led enterprises for income generation and job creation.

“This support enables us to equip young entrepreneurs in Nigeria with the financial literacy and skills needed to build and scale sustainable businesses,” Ayomide Akindolie-Igwe, executive director of FATE Foundation, said in a statement.
According to Akindolie-Igwe, the programme addresses youth employability by tackling Africa’s growing jobs crisis.

“We are excited to be selected for Citi Foundation’s 2025 Global Innovation Challenge,” Akindolie-Igwe added.

In October 2025, FATE Foundation was selected as a recipient of Citi Foundation’s 2025 Global Innovation Challenge to accelerate youth employability.

Joining the cohort of 50 organisations globally, the Foundation will receive $500,000 over two years to advance its youth employability initiative.
“Through this innovative initiative, FATE Foundation is supporting low-income Nigerian youth to develop essential financial and entrepreneurial skills using accessible platforms,” Nneka Enwereji, MD/CEO Citibank Nigeria Limited, stated.
She added that the support will not only help individuals succeed; but also contribute to building a solid foundation for sustainable enterprises that will drive job creation and contribute significantly to the country’s economic vitality.
“This initiative is empowering and investing in the future of Nigeria, one youth at a time,” Enwereji stated.
In March 2026, FATE Foundation launched the first phase of the programme, delivering financial literacy training through a free, accessible WhatsApp-based platform powered by generative technology.
The platform offers a personalized, gamified, and self-paced learning experience. The second phase, began in June 2026 and will provide six months of business incubation, including entrepreneurship training, mentorship, advisory services, and financial support for 80 youth-led enterprises.
The programme is expected to support 2,080 young people, transitioning them from unemployment and financial illiteracy to sustainable self-employment.

Seyi John Salau is a BusinessDay Correspondent with interest in development journalism, which tells stories that connect the people, brands, and the government. SeyiJohn is also a media professional with BSc, Mass Communition (ACU); Masters of School Media (MSM, Ibadan) & MSc, Mass Communication (Caleb).

Join BusinessDay whatsapp Channel, to stay up to date

Open In Whatsapp