Mastercard–TAFTA Women Entrepreneurs Programme 2026 Opens Applications
Young women building businesses in Nigeria’s creative industry have a new opportunity to strengthen their enterprises through the Women Entrepreneurs Development Programme (WEDP) Cohort 3.
This is an initiative by Terra Academy for the Arts (TAFTA) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation.
The programme is designed to help women move beyond creative talent and turn their skills, ideas and businesses into structured and sustainable ventures.
Following the completion of its second cohort earlier this year, the third edition will combine intensive business training with mentorship, practical learning and networking opportunities. The previous cohort brought together women aged 18 to 35 and focused on areas including business formalisation, financial planning, digital strategy, market access and investor readiness.
What WEDP Cohort 3 offers
The 2026 programme will feature a three-day entrepreneurship bootcamp, followed by two months of expert mentorship.
Participants will receive practical guidance in areas such as:
- Business formalisation and CAC registration
- Bookkeeping and financial management
- Pricing and cash-flow management
- Sales and digital marketing
- Using artificial intelligence tools for business
- Business growth and sustainability
- Access to finance and markets
- Developing investor-ready pitch decks
- Building and positioning a strong creative brand
The programme is structured to ensure that participants can apply the lessons directly to their businesses rather than simply gaining theoretical knowledge.
Who can apply?
The opportunity is open to women aged 18 to 35 who are entrepreneurs, aspiring entrepreneurs or creative professionals seeking to build or expand a business within the creative industry.
Applicants must be residents of Lagos and should be prepared to participate fully in the programme activities.
Programme format and dates
According to available programme information, WEDP Cohort 3 will run from September 10 to 12, 2026.
The first two days will be delivered virtually, while the third day will feature a physical masterclass and networking session in Lagos. Selected participants will then continue with two months of expert mentorship.
Why the programme matters
For many women in the creative sector, possessing a marketable skill is only the beginning. Turning that skill into a profitable business often requires knowledge of finance, marketing, customer acquisition, legal compliance, pricing and business strategy.
WEDP is designed to bridge that gap by giving participants the tools and support required to formalise their businesses, improve decision-making and identify new opportunities.
TAFTA’s previous cohort demonstrated the programme’s focus on practical business development, with participants taking part in pitch sessions before mentors, investors and other creative-economy stakeholders.
How to apply
Interested women are encouraged to complete the WEDP Cohort 3 application form and provide accurate information about their businesses, creative work and entrepreneurial goals.
Applications are currently open, and successful applicants will receive confirmation and further participation details by email.
For women looking to turn their creative skills into sustainable businesses, the programme offers an opportunity to gain practical knowledge, mentorship and connections while positioning their ventures for long-term growth.
