USPF Opens Changemaker Challenge with ₦10m Prize Pool

In Short

The Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) has opened applications for the Changemaker Challenge, a nationwide technology innovation competition with a ₦10 million prize pool. The competition targets Nigerian startups and innovation teams building information and communications technology (ICT) solutions for unserved and underserved communities.

What Happened: How The USPF Changemaker Challenge Works

USPF said the Changemaker Challenge, launched on November 2, 2026, is looking for homegrown ICT solutions in agriculture, education, healthcare, financial inclusion, and clean and affordable energy.

Applications are open to Nigerian-based innovation teams and early-stage startups across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory until November 15, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. West Africa Time.

USPF said the competition is implemented in partnership with Ubulu Africa. Selected participants will also get national recognition and a four-week incubation programme, meaning a short support programme to help teams develop their ideas.

Teams must have between two and five members, and all members must be aged 18 and above. Participation is free. Applicants are expected to present practical ICT-enabled solutions that address specific problems outlined in the competition.

Entries will be assessed based on the clarity of their ICT component, relevance to the published problem statements, and evidence that the solutions can work for the communities they are designed to serve.

After screening, 50 teams will advance. USPF said this will include one team from each of the 36 states and the FCT, plus 13 additional teams selected on merit. The selected teams will present at Regional Demo Days across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. One team from each zone will advance to the National Demo Day, where the top three participants will share the ₦10 million prize pool.

Why It Matters: USPF Says It Is Responding To An ICT Gap

USPF said the initiative is informed by its 2024 ICT gap study. The study identified 87 clusters with an estimated population of 23.37 million people in unserved and underserved areas with limited or no access to telecommunications services.

Dr. Odiong Akpan, Chief Executive Officer of Ubulu Africa, said the competition is meant to reach innovators across Nigeria regardless of location, and to find practical solutions for communities that lack telecom access.