NIDCOM Unveils Diaspora Start-Up Challenge, Sets December Flagship Event to Drive Innovation and Investment
The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has launched the Connected Diaspora x DOWA Start-Up Challenge alongside its Connected Diaspora Flagship Event 2025, in a renewed push to harness the creativity and entrepreneurial strength of Nigerians in the diaspora for national development.
Speaking at a news conference in Abuja, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the twin initiatives as timely, transformative and strategically designed to strengthen engagement between Nigeria and its global diaspora community.
In a press statement e-signed by the Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols at NIDCOM, Abdur-Rahman Balogun (MNIPR), Dabiri-Erewa said the Start-Up Challenge, themed “Building, Breaking and Believing in Nigeria,” is aimed at energising diaspora innovators, encouraging knowledge transfer, promoting enterprise development and attracting strategic investments into Nigeria’s fast-growing economy.
She explained that the challenge, which will award cash prizes of up to ₦1,000,000, seeks to identify and support groundbreaking ventures developed by Nigerians living abroad, while reinforcing the Federal Government’s commitment to positioning the diaspora as key partners in national progress.
Dabiri-Erewa also announced that the Connected Diaspora Flagship Event will take place on December 19, 2025, in Lagos, bringing together entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, technology leaders and development partners for high-level discussions on Nigeria’s economic future.
According to her, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, is scheduled to attend as the Special Guest of Honour, where he will speak on the importance of sustained government-diaspora collaboration in accelerating inclusive growth and development.
The event will also feature thought leaders from Nigeria and the diaspora, who will contribute to shaping practical pathways for stronger engagement and investment inflows into the country.
NiDCOM expressed appreciation to its partners, noting that their support continues to expand opportunities for the Nigerian diaspora and boost economic advancement.
The Commission further called on stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to key into the initiative, explore collaboration opportunities and invest in the innovative capacity of Nigerians at home and abroad.
Young Nigerians and diaspora returnees were especially encouraged to participate in the Start-Up Challenge, as entries are set to close on December 12, 2025.
In addition to the competition, the December flagship event will host a Diaspora Talent Career and Internship Fair, aimed at linking diaspora returnees with internship and career opportunities through DOWA partner organisations, further strengthening talent exchange.
Key programme highlights include:
Call for Applications: Nov. 18 – Dec. 12, 2025
Public Voting (Instagram): Dec. 13 – Dec. 17, 2025
Winner Announcement: Dec. 18, 2025
Final Presentation: Dec. 19, 2025 at the JK Randle Centre, Lagos
NiDCOM reaffirmed its commitment to building lasting bridges between Nigeria and its diaspora population, stressing that innovation, investment and collaboration remain critical to sustainable national development.
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