MTN Nigeria has awarded ₦45 million in funding to youth-led startups operating across health technology, fintech, education, and the creative economy, as part of its ongoing push to strengthen youth participation in Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

The funding was delivered through the “Live It 100” initiative, a youth-focused programme designed to move beyond traditional corporate sponsorship and directly support early-stage innovation and entrepreneurship.

HubPharm Africa Leads Winners as 30 Startups Pitch for Funding

Healthtech startup HubPharm Africa emerged as the top winner, receiving ₦15 million in funding.

Other beneficiaries, including Coconoto Ltd and Rava Send, also secured financial support after pitching solutions across different sectors.

In total, 30 youth-led startups were selected to present their ideas, with funding decisions based on innovation potential, scalability, and relevance to Nigeria’s evolving digital economy.

The programme was developed in partnership with youth platform The Gathering and hosted as a 100-hour experience at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos.

The event combined business pitching, creativity, gaming, music, and networking in a continuous engagement format that ran from April 22 to 26, 2026.

Thousands of young Nigerians participated physically, while millions engaged online through social and digital platforms.

Unlike traditional corporate events that place brands at the centre, MTN structured the experience around youth participation, allowing creators, founders, and innovators to lead the narrative.



MTN Reframes Youth Engagement as Long-Term Economic Investment

MTN Nigeria leadership framed the initiative as part of a broader shift in how the company engages young people, moving from visibility-driven corporate activity towards structured access to opportunity and ecosystem support.

The objective is to strengthen pathways that connect young innovators with the resources, mentorship, and platforms required to develop and scale viable businesses.

The programme also reflects a wider pattern across major corporations increasing direct participation in youth-led innovation initiatives, particularly within Nigeria’s technology and creative sectors.

As competition intensifies for early-stage talent and scalable ideas, more companies are positioning themselves as ecosystem builders rather than traditional sponsors, focusing on structured support systems that help emerging founders move from concept to execution.