The Federal Government has called on Nigerian entrepreneurs, innovators and startup enterprises to apply for the African Continental Free Trade Area Startup Acceleration and Partnership Programme 2026.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the call in a statement issued on Tuesday by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa.

According to the ministry, the programme was launched by the AfCFTA Secretariat in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Korea and the Korea-Africa Foundation.

The statement said the initiative is designed to strengthen economic cooperation, trade, innovation and private-sector partnerships between African countries and South Korea under the AfCFTA framework.

It added that about 30 African startups operating in strategic sectors would be selected for the programme.

The sectors include fintech, digital commerce, manufacturing, logistics and agricultural value chains.

“The initiative is expected to support approximately thirty selected African startups operating within strategic sectors, including fintech, digital commerce, manufacturing, logistics, and agricultural value chains,” the statement read.

The ministry explained that successful applicants would benefit from business acceleration support, mentorship, capacity-building programmes, market exposure and investment networking opportunities in South Korea.

It encouraged qualified Nigerian startups with innovative and scalable business models to take advantage of the programme to boost Africa-Korea commercial engagement and sustainable economic development.

Interested applicants were directed to visit the official AfCFTA website for eligibility criteria and application procedures.

The application deadline is May 31, 2026.

The ministry also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to continental economic integration, youth entrepreneurship, innovation and international partnerships aimed at promoting national and regional development.