The Enugu MSME & Startup Agency has announced the commencement of applications for the 2026 South East Pitch Competition, a flagship initiative aimed at nurturing high-growth startups across the region.
In a statement issued on March 24, 2026, the agency described the programme as more than a conventional pitch contest, positioning it as a strategic platform to drive innovation and enterprise development.
“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 agency stated.
The initiative is being executed under the South East Development Commission as part of the South East Venture Capital Program (SEVCP), aligned with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the statement, the programme is designed to unlock structured funding, provide founder support, and connect startups with investors across key sectors.
“We are 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,” it noted.
Selected startups will benefit from funding of up to $20,000 under the accelerator track, as well as structured incubation and acceleration programmes, access to top-tier mentors and investors, and entry into a $50 million regional venture capital ecosystem.
“Only 30 startups will be selected from hundreds of applications, making the process highly competitive,” the agency added.
The organisers emphasized that the programme is part of broader efforts to promote job creation, innovation, and inclusive economic growth in line with national development priorities.
“This programme 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,” the statement said.
Applications are open to startups building in or for South East Nigeria, with interested applicants encouraged to apply via the official portal: www.sedc.gov.ng/programs/sevcp/pitch.
Further details can be accessed through the programme FAQs at https://bit.ly/FAQs-SEDC, while enquiries can be directed to [email protected].
The agency urged qualified startups to take advantage of the opportunity to scale their innovations and access funding, mentorship, and regional investment networks.
