The Enugu MSME & Startup Agency (Enugu SME Center), led by Arinze Chilo-Offiah, has called on founders, innovators, and entrepreneurs across the region to seize what it described as a strategic opportunity to build the next generation of high-growth companies, following the launch of the South East Pitch Competition 2026 by the South East Development Commission (SEDC).
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Enugu SME Center announced that the competition, organized under the South East Venture Capital Program (SEVCP), is designed to unlock structured capital, founder support, and investor access for high-potential startups across the region, in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
A Platform for Bold Founders
According to the call for applications, the competition is searching for bold founders, builders, innovators, and operators solving real problems across priority sectors including AgriTech, FinTech, HealthTech, Manufacturing, Clean Energy, Logistics, Creative Economy, and Digital/SaaS, among others.
“This is not just another pitch competition. This is a strategic platform to build the next generation of high-growth companies powering Nigeria’s future,” the statement read.
What Selected Startups Receive
The agency outlined a comprehensive package for successful applicants, including:
· Up to $20,000 in funding (Accelerator Track);
· Structured incubation and acceleration programs;
· Access to top-tier mentors, investors, and partners; and
· Entry into a $50 million regional venture capital ecosystem
The Enugu SME Center emphasized that the program is part of a broader national effort to drive job creation, innovation, enterprise growth, and inclusive economic development—key pillars of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Only 30 startups will be selected from hundreds of applications, making the competition highly competitive. Eligible applicants are startups building in or for South East Nigeria.
How to Apply
Interested founders and innovators are encouraged to apply now via the SEDC website at www.sedc.gov.ng/programs/sevcp/pitch. Application FAQs are available at https://bit.ly/FAQs-SEDC, and enquiries can be directed to sevcp@sedc.gov.ng.