DBN AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION AND ENTERPRISE INNOVATION HUB PROGRAMME 2026
Grant Opportunity Call for Applications
DBN Agriculture Production and Enterprise Innovation Hub Programme 2026
Empowering Innovative Agribusinesses across North-East Nigeria
Executive Summary
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) is officially inviting applications from innovative, growth-oriented Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) operating in North-East Nigeria for its inaugural Agriculture Production and Enterprise Innovation Hub Programme 2026.
This initiative is designed to empower local agribusinesses to transform innovative ideas into sustainable, highly profitable, and competitive enterprises. Participating businesses will receive tailored business support, capacity building, and essential growth resources to accelerate market expansion and operational excellence.
Priority Focus Sectors
Agro & Food Processing, Storage, Packaging & Value Addition:
Solutions targeted at reducing post-harvest losses.
Innovations in food preservation, processing, branding, and packaging.
Value addition for key regional commodities including maize, rice, groundnut, and tomatoes.
Livestock & Dairy:
Enterprises driving innovation across livestock production, dairy processing, and animal health services.
Cold-chain logistics and expanded market access solutions.
Crop Production & Farm Inputs:
Providers of improved seedlings, nursery management, and high-yield farm inputs.
Agricultural mechanisation and productivity-enhancing farming technologies.
Agricultural Transport, Warehousing & Logistics:
Solutions for agricultural aggregation, storage, distribution, and transport.
Digital inventory management tools connecting farmers, processors, and end markets.
Programme Benefits
Selected agribusinesses in the inaugural cohort will gain access to:
Tailored Business Development Support: Customised technical assistance addressing specific operational needs.
Capacity Building: In-depth entrepreneurship and business management training modules.
Expert Mentorship: One-on-one guidance and mentorship from seasoned industry experts.
Strategic Networking: Exposure and networking opportunities with key industry stakeholders, investors, and partners.
Market & Resource Access: Connections to new commercial markets and innovation resources designed to enhance competitiveness and long-term viability.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following mandatory requirements to be considered:
Requirement CategoryDescription
Legal RegistrationMust be formally registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
LocationMust have actively operated within North-East Nigeria for a minimum of 2 years.
Industry SectorMust operate strictly within the agriculture or agribusiness value chain.
Financial TrackingMust possess at least 2 years of financial statements and maintain proper bookkeeping records.
WorkforceMust employ a minimum of 2 full-time staff (excluding the business founder).
Mandatory LearningMust register for and complete all 5 compulsory BizAid courses.
CommitmentMust demonstrate clear market viability, growth potential, and complete commitment to the Accelerator Programme and post-programme mentorship.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is tailored for growth-stage entities operating in North-East Nigeria, including:
Registered agricultural enterprises & agribusiness founders
Food processors and value-addition innovators
Livestock & dairy producers
Crop production managers & input providers
AgTech innovators and agricultural logistics providers
Application Instructions
Interested and eligible agribusiness owners are encouraged to submit their applications online for consideration in the inaugural cohort.
For inquiries or further information regarding the application process, please visit the official Development Bank of Nigeria portal.
