Programme Timeline
Applications closed on 11:59pm WAT on Saturday, 26 September 2026. They are being reviewed until 2 October 2026. Every stage that follows is below.
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Open Now
Applications
The national call for applications. The portal is open and accepting applications. A closing date has not been announced.
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18 September - 2 October 2026 2 weeks
Application Review
Every application submitted before the deadline is screened and verified. Decisions are sent to the email address on the application.
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5 - 9 October 2026 1 week Indicative
Orientation
Successful applicants are welcomed onto the platform, meet their track facilitators and are shown how the coursework runs.
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12 - 30 October 2026 3 weeks Indicative
Virtual Learning
Compulsory general courses and your specialised track, delivered online with assignments and quizzes. Engagement here decides who proceeds to the in-person engagement.
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2 - 13 November 2026 2 weeks Indicative
Selection & Preparation
Virtual engagement scores are assessed, participants are selected for the in-person engagement, and travel and venues are arranged.
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16 - 18 November 2026 3 days Indicative
In-Person Engagement
Three days of hands-on labs, mentoring and the innovation challenge, held in person.
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From 19 November 2026 Ongoing Indicative
Post-Programme Community
Graduates keep their portal access and join the alumni community: mentorship circles, the opportunity desk and seed-grant pathways.
Dates marked indicative follow from the programme's published durations and are confirmed to participants by email before each stage begins.