NiDCOM Launches Diaspora Start-Up Challenge, Announces 2025 Flagship Event

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has unveiled a new initiative aimed at mobilising the talents and expertise of Nigerians living abroad to drive national development. The programme, known as the Connected Diaspora x DOWA Start-Up Challenge, is set to encourage innovation, enterprise, and strategic investment from the diaspora community.

Announcing the initiative, NiDCOM Chairman/CEO Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa described the start-up challenge and the upcoming Connected Diaspora Flagship Event 2025 as timely interventions designed to tap into the entrepreneurial energy of Nigerians worldwide. She emphasised that both platforms align with national priorities for economic growth and innovation.

The start-up challenge, themed “Building, Breaking and Believing in Nigeria,” is structured to identify high-impact ideas from diaspora innovators. Selected participants will receive support to scale their ventures, while outstanding ideas may benefit from mentorship, funding opportunities, and exposure to global networks.

NiDCOM revealed that the competition will award cash prizes of up to ₦1 million, offering a strong incentive for young Nigerians and returnees to showcase their skills. The Commission stressed that this initiative reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to treating the diaspora as critical partners in nation-building.

The Connected Diaspora Flagship Event is scheduled to hold on December 19, 2025, in Lagos. It will gather entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and technology leaders for discussions on how diaspora engagement can accelerate economic growth, knowledge transfer, and enterprise development.

Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat, will serve as Special Guest of Honour at the event, addressing the importance of government-diaspora collaboration in promoting national progress. A keynote address will also be delivered by Mr. Leo Stan Ekeh, Chairman of Zinox Group, whose contributions to technology and entrepreneurship continue to inspire innovators across the continent.

Additional sessions will feature notable contributors from the global diaspora and Nigeria’s business ecosystem, offering insights on investment opportunities, enterprise scaling, and sustainable pathways for meaningful diaspora engagement. NiDCOM also thanked its partners for their continued support, noting that collaboration is key to maximising the impact of such initiatives.

The Commission encouraged young Nigerians and diaspora returnees to actively participate in the start-up challenge, with entries closing on December 7, 2025. The December event will also include a Diaspora Talent Career and Internship Fair to connect returnees with placements from DOWA partner organisations, further enhancing skills exchange and contributing to national development.