Nine Startups Win N9.75m in Abuja Entrepreneurs’ Hunt

Nine startups emerged as winners in the 2026 Abuja Young Entrepreneurs’ Hunt, organized by the Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL) in partnership with the Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA), receiving a total of N9.75 million. The competition recognized entrepreneurs in the information and communications technology (ICT), creative, and agribusiness sectors, awarding N1.5 million for first place, N1 million for second, and N750,000 for third in each category.

Maureen Tamuno, Group Managing Director and CEO of AICL, stated that the initiative aims to help young entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses and emphasized the importance of mentorship and exposure to investors. Winners will pitch their businesses at the Abuja Business and Investment Expo (ABIS) 3.0 from August 5 to 7.

Chudi Ugwuada-Ezirigwe, Acting MD and CEO of AEA, noted the selected sectors' potential for economic growth. Paul Alaje, chairman of the judging panel, highlighted the assessment criteria, including innovation and job creation.

Among the winners was Plastic Abdullahi Suleiman, who innovated a method to convert plastic waste into interlocking paving stones.