RFAs: Implementing Partner for the YAI – Cohort 2 (Nigeria)

Deadline: 22-Sep-2026

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Nigeria is seeking a qualified firm to serve as the implementing partner for the Young Africa Innovates (YAI) Cohort 2 program in Abia, Plateau, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States. The selected partner will support 750 innovators through bootcamps and coordinate the selection and incubation of 200 innovators while strengthening entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems across the four states.

About Young Africa Innovates Cohort 2

The Young Africa Innovates (YAI) Cohort 2 initiative, led by UNDP Nigeria, aims to strengthen entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystems across Abia, Plateau, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States. UNDP is seeking a qualified implementing partner to deliver a comprehensive program supporting innovators and entrepreneurs through capacity building, incubation, mentorship, infrastructure access, and other forms of technical support. The selected firm will work under UNDP’s technical direction and oversight to implement key components of the program. What Will the Implementing Partner Do? The selected implementing partner will be responsible for managing and delivering several major components of the YAI Cohort 2 program.

Key responsibilities include:

- Developing state-specific inception reports. - Creating and managing a database of screened candidates. - Conducting bootcamp workshops for 750 innovators. - Coordinating the selection and incubation of 200 innovators. - Developing detailed program manuals. - Conducting integrity audits. - Carrying out diversity assessments. - Establishing co-creation pods. - Deploying mentors and experts to support innovators. The partner will coordinate these activities across the four participating states. Bootcamps for 750 Innovators A major component of the program is the delivery of residential bootcamps for 750 innovators across Abia, Plateau, Akwa Ibom, and Cross River States. The bootcamps will provide capacity-building opportunities designed to strengthen participants’ entrepreneurial and innovation capabilities. The implementing partner will be responsible for organizing and delivering the bootcamp activities while ensuring that appropriate support is available to participants. Selection and Incubation of 200 Innovators Following the broader bootcamp process, 200 innovators will be selected for incubation across the four states. The implementing partner will coordinate the selection and incubation process and provide the required support to help innovators develop their ideas and entrepreneurial capabilities. Capacity Building and Support Services Capacity building is a core component of Young Africa Innovates Cohort 2. The program includes activities designed to strengthen the capabilities of entrepreneurs and social innovators through training, mentorship, incubation, and access to relevant infrastructure. The implementing partner will also provide appropriate support services for: - Women innovators. - Persons with disabilities. - Other participants requiring targeted support. Support for Women and Persons With Disabilities The program places emphasis on diversity and inclusion. The implementing partner will be expected to facilitate support services that enable women innovators and persons with disabilities to participate effectively in program activities. This includes appropriate measures during residential bootcamps and other stages of the program. Infrastructure and Innovation Support The program also includes infrastructure provisioning to help innovators access resources needed to develop their ideas and solutions. Potential support includes facilitating access to: - Cloud credits. - Lab equipment. - Other relevant innovation infrastructure. The implementing partner will help coordinate the delivery of these tangible forms of support. Mentorship and Expert Support The YAI Cohort 2 program will deploy mentors and experts to provide ongoing support to participating innovators. The implementing partner will manage the engagement and payment administration of up to 20 mentors over an eight-month period. These activities will be carried out under UNDP’s technical direction and oversight. Financial and Operational Management The implementing partner will be responsible for maintaining appropriate financial and operational records associated with program activities. Detailed records will be required to document payments and the delivery of tangible support to innovators. The partner will also be required to maintain financial and operational logs covering: - Transportation stipends. - Travel allowances. - Payments to facilitators. - Delivery of tangible support to innovators. - Other relevant program-related expenditures. Reimbursable Cost of NGN 76,500,000 An amount of NGN 76,500,000 has been allocated as a separate reimbursable cost item for the payment of facilitators and travel stipends.

This amount must be:

- Budgeted separately. - Reported separately. - Kept independent from the firm’s professional fees. - Kept independent from the firm’s administrative fees. Applicants should ensure that this cost is clearly distinguished from their professional and administrative charges. Requirements for Financial Reporting The implementing partner must maintain appropriate documentation for payments made under the program. Financial and operational logs will be required to document the payment of transportation stipends and travel allowances to innovators and demonstrate that tangible support has been delivered as intended. Strong financial management and documentation will therefore be an important component of implementation. Who Can Apply? The opportunity is open to legally registered firms that meet the required organizational and technical experience criteria.

Applicants must have:

- At least five years of organizational experience. - Experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, ecosystem support, or impact investing. - Experience managing development progra