The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has launched a major innovation-drive targeted at mobilising global Nigerian talent through the Connected Diaspora x DOWA Start-Up Challenge, alongside the unveiling of the Connected Diaspora Flagship Event 2025 scheduled for December 19 in Lagos.
Speaking at a news conference in Lagos, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the initiatives as transformative platforms designed to harness the creativity, expertise and entrepreneurial capacity of Nigerians living abroad.
She said the startup challenge tagged “Building, Breaking and Believing in Nigeria” seeks to energise diaspora innovators, promote knowledge transfer and stimulate enterprise development that aligns with the Federal Government’s agenda for national growth.
The challenge offered cash prizes of up to ₦1,000,000, targeted at spotlighting exceptional ideas and providing early support for high-impact ventures developed by Nigerians overseas.
Dabiri-Erewa noted that the competition reinforces the government’s broader commitment to positioning the diaspora as key partners in national development.
Flagship Event Holds Dec. 19 in Lagos
The NiDCOM Chief also announced that the Connected Diaspora Flagship Event will convene policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs and tech leaders for high-level conversations on Nigeria’s development outlook.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, will serve as Special Guest of Honour and deliver remarks on strengthening partnerships between government and the diaspora community.
The event will also feature contributions from notable diaspora experts and leaders in Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
Career & Internship Fair for Diaspora Returnees
As part of the programme, NiDCOM is introducing a Diaspora Talent Career and Internship Fair aimed at connecting diaspora returnees with internship opportunities provided by DOWA partner organisations. The initiative is designed to strengthen talent circulation and deepen national development.
Application & Event Registration Now Open
NiDCOM encouraged young Nigerians and diaspora returnees to participate actively in the Start-Up Challenge, adding that entries close on December 12, 2025.
Interested applicants may register via the links below:
Register for the CONNECTED DIASPORA x DOWA Event
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScHJuQJS3oHyBWDIGjdEMmwC-mwyGjMxjaDM6-y5q9aWVNjMg/viewform
Apply for the Building, Breaking and Believing in Nigeria Start-Up Challenge
https://www.dowafrica.org/startup-challenge-2025
Programme Highlights
Call for applications: Nov. 18 – Dec. 12, 2025
Public voting on Instagram: Dec. 13 – Dec. 17, 2025
Winner announcement: Dec. 18, 2025
Final winner presentation: Dec. 19, 2025, at the JK Randle Centre, Lagos
NiDCOM expressed appreciation to its partners, noting that their support continues to strengthen diaspora engagement and Nigeria’s economic advancement.
