Nigerian entrepreneurs to compete for N50m prize on The Next Titan

Entrepreneurs across Nigeria will compete for a N50 million prize in season 11 of The Next Titan, a business reality show.

The competition comes as access to early-stage funding remains a key challenge for startups in Africa’s most populous nation.

With venture capital concentrated in a few hubs and bank lending costly for small firms, business reality shows have become an alternative platform for founders to secure capital, mentorship and visibility.

Season 11 will air for ten weeks on major television stations across Nigeria and will feature a N50 million grand prize for the winner and runners-up.

With the support of Betano and other strategic sponsors and partners, the season promises to be the most competitive and most impactful in creating opportunities for young Nigerians with bold business ideas and entrepreneurial ambition.

Speaking ahead of the upcoming season, Mide Akinlaja, the executive producer of the Next Titan, said that the competition is Nigeria’s foremost business reality TV show.

He explained that aside from the entertainment aspect of the 10-week competition, its importance lies in igniting entrepreneurial spirit and showcasing the possibility of entrepreneurship in transforming lives with just an idea that can be scaled to greatness.

He appreciated Betano, the title sponsor, for believing in the vision of igniting the entrepreneurial spirit of young Nigerians.

“It is a platform that reminds young Nigerians that opportunities can still be created through innovation, enterprise and resilience,” Akinlaja said.

He noted that season 11 promises to be our biggest yet, with a N50 million grand prize, expanded opportunities and an even more engaging competition. “We are raising the standard once again,” he added.

Daniel Lamberti, senior business development advisor for Betano in Africa, said, “Supporting another season of Betano – The Next Titan reflects our long-term commitment to Nigeria, continual focus on innovation and ambition to invest in partnerships that make a meaningful contribution to the communities where we operate.”

Auditions for season 11 will commence in August and will take place in Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Enugu, providing aspiring entrepreneurs across the country with the opportunity to compete for a place on Nigeria’s biggest entrepreneurial television platform.

Outstanding participants from the auditions will advance to an intensive three-day top 50 Entrepreneurship Bootcamp, where they will undergo rigorous business training, leadership development and practical enterprise challenges.

At the conclusion of the Bootcamp, 20 exceptional finalists will be unveiled during a grand opening ceremony before moving into the Titan House for an exciting ten-week competition featuring business tasks, innovation challenges, mentorship sessions and weekly eliminations that will ultimately produce the season 11 champion.

In a panel session, Pearl Ubani, season 10 winner, advised incoming contestants to protect their integrity under pressure, emphasising that there is a lot to learn from the competition.

“There should be a lot of introspection on yourself before going into the house. Know who you are and have your values set in stone, so that you don’t go in as someone and come out as someone that you do not even understand or trust anymore,” she said.

For more than a decade, the programme has served as a catalyst for entrepreneurship, inspiring young Nigerians to embrace innovation, business ownership and self-reliance. Through its unique blend of education, competition and entertainment, it has become the country’s leading TV platform for identifying and nurturing entrepreneurial talents.

The organisers also acknowledge and appreciate the confidence and commitment of Betano, the title and lead sponsor, and the great support of other associate sponsors such as Paralle, Cadbury, Arik Air, Sifax, Nigerite, Veritasi Homes, GIGM, Jojo & Co, and other important partners whose investment in season 11 demonstrates the growing role of responsible corporate partnerships in advancing youth development and economic inclusion in Nigeria.