AICL Empowers 600 Young Entrepreneurs Through Mentorship and Business Development.

The Abuja Investment Company Limited (AICL) has empowered 600 young entrepreneurs through the 2026 Abuja Young Entrepreneurs Hunt, providing mentorship, business development support and market access to help participants build sustainable and competitive businesses.

Organised in collaboration with the Abuja Enterprise Agency (AEA), the initiative celebrated outstanding young innovators across the Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Agriculture, and Creative Enterprise (Fashion) sectors.

Speaking at the event, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of AICL, Dr. Maureen Tamuno, said the programme was established to unlock the entrepreneurial potential of young Nigerians while contributing to economic growth and job creation.

She revealed that since its launch, the initiative has attracted approximately 1,300 applications, reflecting the growing interest in entrepreneurship among young people in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

According to Tamuno, the programme extends beyond financial rewards by equipping participants with practical business knowledge through mentorship sessions led by experienced entrepreneurs and industry professionals.

She noted that the training covers key areas such as branding, business development, enterprise management and market visibility, enabling participants to strengthen and grow their businesses.

Tamuno added that beneficiaries from previous editions continue to receive post-programme support through mentorship networks and strategic partnerships designed to help them sustain and expand their enterprises.

She further announced that winners of the 2026 edition will be given the opportunity to exhibit their products and services at the Abuja International Trade Fair, scheduled to commence on 7 October, where they will engage with potential investors, customers and business partners.

Also speaking at the event, the Acting Managing Director of the Abuja Enterprise Agency, Dr. Chudi Ugwuada-Ezirigwe, described the initiative as part of broader efforts to develop a new generation of entrepreneurs capable of driving innovation, enterprise growth and economic transformation.

Among the winners, Abdullahi Suleiman, founder of Triple R Recycling Limited, emerged victorious in the Creative Enterprise category for his innovative solution that transforms plastic waste into interlocking construction materials, highlighting the role of entrepreneurship in addressing environmental challenges while creating sustainable business opportunities.