The Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL) has reinforced its commitment to youth entrepreneurship and innovation by awarding a total of N9.75 million to nine outstanding startups at the 2026 Abuja Young Entrepreneurs’ Hunt, with winners emerging from the information and communications technology (ICT), creative and agribusiness sectors.
The competition, organised by AICL in partnership with the Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA), rewarded three winners in each of the three sectors, with cash prizes of N1.5 million, N1 million and N750,000 respectively to support business expansion.
Speaking at the event in Abuja on Tuesday, Maureen Tamuno, Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AICL, said the initiative goes beyond cash awards by providing participants with mentorship, business visibility and access to investors that can help transform their enterprises.
According to her, every participant in the competition benefits from intensive training and mentorship throughout the selection process, equipping them with practical skills that can accelerate business growth irrespective of whether they emerge as winners.
“The level of training and mentorship they receive from professionals during the programme goes far beyond the competition itself. It gives them ideas on visibility, expansion and sustainability,” Tamuno said.
