The FABE Foundation, in partnership with Deloitte Nigeria, has awarded N3.5 million in seed funding to support young entrepreneurs building green businesses. The grants were distributed to the top three finalists at the FABE Foundation EcoLeaders Accelerator Programme 2026 Closeout event in Lagos. The first-place winner received N2 million, the runner-up N1 million and the third-place finalist N500,000. Ten young founders participated in the competition, pitching waste-to-value and climate adaptation solutions.
The accelerator programme aims to equip young Nigerians with practical skills to build sustainable businesses and lead environmental action. Temitope Okunnu, founder and chief executive officer of FABE International Foundation, said the initiative was designed to move participants beyond awareness into practical problem-solving. Participants underwent intensive training through the FABE Institute of Sustainability, with ten finalists selected to present solutions addressing waste, circular economy and community resilience challenges.
Nigeria faces significant waste management pressures. Lagos, with an estimated population of more than 16 million, generates about 13,000 tonnes of solid waste daily, according to the state waste management authority. Government officials at the event pledged support for youth-led climate action. The Climate Change Act of 2021 and the national policies on solid waste management and plastic waste management provide frameworks guiding these efforts, according to statements from government representatives.