Call For Applications: NIMASA Blue Economy Accelerator Programme 2026
The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has opened applications for the 2026 NIMASA Blue Economy Accelerator Programme (NIMASA-BEAP).
This a national initiative designed to support young Nigerians developing innovative solutions for the maritime and blue economy sectors.
The programme is aimed at young innovators and entrepreneurs who can develop practical solutions to challenges and opportunities across Nigeria’s maritime value chain, while creating pathways for entrepreneurship, investment and job creation.
Who Can Apply?
The opportunity is open to Nigerians aged 18 to 28 with innovative ideas, solutions or ventures relevant to the marine and blue economy.
Applicants are encouraged to develop ideas that address real challenges within areas such as maritime transportation, ports, fisheries, environmental sustainability, marine technology and other aspects of the blue economy.
Innovation Areas
Applicants can submit solutions across 13 innovation tracks, including:
- Maritime Technology and Logistics
- Maritime Safety, Surveillance and Security
- Green Shipping and Vessel Decarbonisation
- Seafarer Welfare and Workforce Technology
- Port Digitisation and Smart Port Solutions
- Marine Waste Management and Blue Circular Economy
- Aquaculture and Sustainable Fisheries
- Coastal and Artisanal Fishing Value Chain
- Ocean Data and Analytics
- Nature-Based Coastal Defence Solutions
- Marine Tourism and Coastal Recreation
- Marine Biotechnology
- Deep Seabed Mining Technologies and Research
What the Programme Offers
NIMASA-BEAP is structured as a pipeline that takes promising ideas from application through competition, acceleration and potential investment.
Selected applicants will first participate in the National Innovation Hackathon, scheduled for December 8–10, 2026. Successful participants will then progress to a 12-week accelerator programme in the first quarter of 2027.
The programme will conclude with a National Demo Day in the second quarter of 2027, giving participating ventures an opportunity to showcase their solutions to investors, maritime industry stakeholders and potential partners.
The initiative is also designed to provide participants with structured business development support, mentorship and technical guidance to help transform promising ideas into viable ventures.
Programme Timeline
Application Opens: October 5, 2026
Application Deadline: November 13, 2026
Evaluation and Due Diligence: November 16 – December 2, 2026
National Innovation Hackathon: December 8–10, 2026
12-Week Accelerator: First Quarter 2027
National Demo Day: Second Quarter 2027
How to Apply
Interested Nigerians can submit their applications through the official NIMASA Blue Economy Accelerator Programme portal.
Apply Now: NIMASA-BEAP Application Portal
Applicants should ensure that their proposed solutions clearly address a challenge or opportunity within Nigeria’s marine and blue economy and submit their applications before the deadline.
The programme represents NIMASA’s broader effort to move beyond its regulatory role and encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, investment and greater participation of young Nigerians in the maritime economy
