DBN Agriculture Innovation Hub Opens for Agribusinesses – Apply Now

The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has opened applications for its Agriculture Production and Enterprise Innovation Hub Programme 2026.

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This is an invitation to innovative and growth-oriented agribusinesses operating in North-East Nigeria to benefit from business development support, mentorship, entrepreneurship training and opportunities to expand their operations.

The initiative is designed to strengthen agricultural enterprises, improve productivity and support the growth of sustainable and competitive businesses across Nigeria’s agricultural value chain.

Through the programme, participating Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) will receive tailored business support to improve their operations, develop innovative solutions, access new markets and become better positioned for long-term growth.

The programme particularly targets businesses addressing challenges in agricultural production, food processing, storage, distribution and other areas of the agribusiness ecosystem.

Priority Sectors

The DBN Agriculture Production and Enterprise Innovation Hub Programme focuses on four major areas of the agricultural value chain:

1. Agro and Food Processing, Storage, Packaging and Value Addition

Businesses involved in food processing, preservation, packaging, branding and value addition are encouraged to apply. This includes enterprises developing solutions to reduce post-harvest losses and improve the processing of agricultural products such as rice, maize, groundnuts and tomatoes.

2. Livestock and Dairy

The programme welcomes businesses operating in livestock production, dairy processing, animal health services, cold-chain logistics and other livestock-related innovations.

3. Crop Production and Farm Inputs

Eligible enterprises include businesses providing improved seeds, seedlings, nursery services, agricultural inputs, mechanisation and technologies that enhance farming productivity.

4. Agricultural Transport, Warehousing and Logistics

Businesses developing innovative solutions for agricultural transportation, storage, warehousing, distribution, produce aggregation and supply-chain management are also encouraged to participate.

Benefits of the Programme

Selected agribusinesses will have access to several business development and growth opportunities, including:

• Tailored business development support and entrepreneurship training.
• Technical assistance to strengthen business operations.
• Mentorship and guidance from experienced industry professionals.
• Access to relevant markets and business networks.
• Opportunities to connect with potential investors and strategic partners.
• Support to improve financial management and investment readiness.
• Opportunities to showcase business innovations and solutions during Demo Day activities.

The programme is intended to help participating businesses become more sustainable, competitive and attractive to potential financiers and business partners.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the DBN Agriculture Production and Enterprise Innovation Hub Programme, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Operate within the agriculture or agribusiness sector.
• Be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
• Have operated in North-East Nigeria for at least two years.
• Maintain at least two years of financial statements and proper bookkeeping records.
• Employ a minimum of two full-time staff members, excluding the founder.
• Demonstrate business growth potential, market viability and sustainability.
• Be willing to participate fully in the accelerator programme and subsequent mentorship activities.
• Register for and complete the five compulsory DBN BizAid courses.

Applicants are also required to demonstrate how their businesses address existing agricultural challenges and possess the potential to create economic and social impact.

Compulsory DBN BizAid Courses

Before applying, interested entrepreneurs must register for and complete five compulsory courses through the DBN BizAid learning platform.

The courses cover:

1. Financial Decision and Management.
2. Credit Management and Access to Finance.
3. Sustainability for Small Businesses.
4. Marketing and Sales Techniques.
5. Accounting and Bookkeeping.

Completion of all five courses is mandatory for applicants seeking to progress through the application process.

How to Apply

Interested and eligible agribusiness owners should first register on the DBN BizAid learning platform and complete all five compulsory courses.

Applicants can access the training platform through:

BizAid Learning Platform: https://learning.devbankng.com/wennovationhub

After completing the required courses, eligible businesses should proceed to submit their applications through the official application form:

Application Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDSfSeEO_v9Pdy2No3uWEJTl9RiGK_lDsz4Evwi2kBy69g0g/viewform

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the eligibility requirements and ensure that all required business and financial information is available before submitting their applications.

Application Deadline

A specific application deadline has not been confirmed in the available programme announcement. Interested businesses are encouraged to complete the compulsory training and submit their applications as early as possible.