FATE Foundation, Citi Foundation Launch Youth Entrepreneurship Program in Nigeria

FATE Foundation, with crucial funding from the Citi Foundation, has launched the Youth Entrepreneurship Incubation Programme, an initiative designed to empower young Nigerians with essential financial literacy and entrepreneurship skills. This program is dedicated to fostering the incubation and scaling of youth-led businesses, ultimately driving income generation and creating much-needed jobs.

In October 2025, FATE Foundation was recognized globally, selected as a recipient of the Citi Foundation’s 2025 Global Innovation Challenge for its work in accelerating youth employability. As part of a cohort of 50 organizations worldwide, the Foundation will receive $500,000 over two years to advance its impactful youth employability initiatives.

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We are excited to be selected for Citi Foundation’s 2025 Global Innovation Challenge. This support enables us to equip young entrepreneurs in Nigeria with the financial literacy and skills needed to build and scale sustainable businesses.

"We are excited to be selected for Citi Foundation’s 2025 Global Innovation Challenge," said Ayomide Akindolie-Igwe, Executive Director of FATE Foundation. "This support enables us to equip young entrepreneurs in Nigeria with the financial literacy and skills needed to build and scale sustainable businesses." The program directly addresses the growing youth unemployment crisis in Africa, where by 2030, the continent is projected to host 40% of the world's youth population.

The initiative employs a strategic two-phase approach tailored for Nigerian youth. It commences with comprehensive financial literacy training, followed by a progression into entrepreneurship development. Participants will receive incubation support and access to vital tools necessary for establishing viable, job-creating businesses. Nneka Enwereji, MD/CEO of Citibank Nigeria Limited, highlighted the program's broader impact: "Through this innovative initiative, FATE Foundation is supporting low-income Nigerian youth to develop essential financial and entrepreneurial skills using accessible platforms. This support is not just helping individuals to succeed; it is building a solid foundation for sustainable enterprises that will drive job creation and contribute significantly to our nation's economic vitality."

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Through this innovative initiative, FATE Foundation is supporting low-income Nigerian youth to develop essential financial and entrepreneurial skills using accessible platforms. This support is not just helping individuals to succeed; it is building a solid foundation for sustainable enterprises that will drive job creation and contribute significantly to our nation's economic vitality. This initiative is empowering and investing in the future of Nigeria, one youth at a time.