The Apostle Folorunso Alakija Foundation has opened applications for its 2026 women entrepreneurs programme, offering a ₦1.3 billion grant to support eligible female business owners in Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt.
The Apostle Folorunso Alakija Foundation has officially launched applications for the 2026 Cohort 5 of its flagship women empowerment programme, designed to provide financial support and business development opportunities to female entrepreneurs across Nigeria.
The initiative, backed by a ₦1.3 billion grant pool, aims to empower women-led businesses with funding, training, and mentorship to scale operations and improve sustainability.
The programme is open to applicants operating within Abuja, Lagos, and Port Harcourt. Applications are currently ongoing for the 2026 cohort, with selected participants expected to undergo training and support sessions within the programme cycle.
The programme is organised by the Apostle Folorunso Alakija Foundation, a well-known non-governmental organisation focused on economic empowerment, particularly for women and underserved communities.
Eligible participants include female entrepreneurs aged 18 to 50 who run businesses within the specified cities.
This initiative addresses key challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Nigeria, including limited access to funding, business training, and mentorship.
By investing ₦1.3 billion into female-led businesses, the programme is expected to boost economic participation, support small business growth, and contribute to job creation across major urban centres.
According to the organisers, the programme is designed to “empower women with the financial resources, skills, and networks needed to grow sustainable businesses and create lasting economic impact.”
Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must meet the following criteria:
Must be a female entrepreneur aged between 18 and 50
Business must have been in operation for at least 12 months
Business must be located in Abuja, Lagos, or Port Harcourt
Previous beneficiaries of Flourish Africa training or grants are not eligible.
Programme Benefits:
Participants selected for the programme will gain:
Access to funding from the ₦1.3 billion grant pool
Business and life skills training
Mentorship and capacity-building sessions
Networking opportunities with other entrepreneurs and industry leaders.
OPPORTUNITY / BENEFIT ANGLE (VERY IMPORTANT)
This programme presents a major opportunity for Nigerian women to:
Access Funding: Secure financial support to expand their businesses
Gain Skills: Learn practical business and personal development strategies
Build Networks: Connect with mentors and like-minded entrepreneurs
Grow Businesses: Improve sustainability and increase profitability
For many small business owners, this initiative could serve as a turning point toward scaling operations and achieving long-term success.
How to Apply:
Interested applicants should:
Visit the official programme platform of the Apostle Folorunso Alakija Foundation
Complete the application form
Submit required business details and documentation
Eligibility:
Female entrepreneurs only
Must operate within Abuja, Lagos, or Port Harcourt
Business must be at least one year old
Deadline:
Applicants are advised to apply on or before 12th April 2026 as limited slots are available.