By: Goodluck E. Adubazi, Abuja

Nigeria’s southeastern Enugu State has launched a major innovation drive aimed at tackling some of Africa’s most pressing development challenges, unveiling the 2026 edition of the Design Thinking Challenge with more than ₦60 million ($75,000+) in prizes for winning ideas.

The initiative, led by the Enugu State Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology and sponsored by technology distributor TD Africa alongside other partners, officially opened applications this week. Organisers say the programme will back scalable, human-centred solutions in healthcare, clean energy, and agriculture—sectors widely seen as critical to Africa’s long-term growth.

The call is open to innovators, entrepreneurs, and problem-solvers across Nigeria, encouraging submissions that address everyday challenges facing communities, from access to quality healthcare to sustainable energy and improved agricultural productivity.

Designed as a global innovation platform, the Design Thinking Challenge combines mentorship, funding, and hands-on training to help participants turn early-stage ideas into viable products. Selected applicants will take part in intensive design thinking workshops and work directly with users to test and refine their solutions.

Top-performing teams in each focus area will receive seed funding and admission into a six-month “Innovators-in-Residence” incubator, where they will further develop their prototypes into investable businesses.

“This is more than a competition,” said Engr. Prince Lawrence Ezeh, Enugu State Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, at the launch. “It is a platform for young Nigerians to move from ideation to real-world impact. We are looking for practical, human-centred solutions that can improve lives.”

Chibuike B. Echeji, Technical Adviser to the Commissioner, described the challenge as a meeting point for bold ideas and community insight. “This is where innovators converge to prototype and launch viable solutions to humanity’s biggest challenges,” he said. Programme Coordinator Victor Ogbonna added that the focus is on translating deep local understanding into tangible ventures.

The programme will run a 10-week design sprint in February 2026, followed by a six-month incubation phase for winning teams. Partners include Microsoft, IBM, CafeOne, Sterling Bank, and Enugu Tech Fest.

Applications are open from December 10 to December 30, 2025, with more information available at dtc.com.ng. Media contact: Damilola Bakare, Communications Lead, 08146187808.

TD Africa, founded in 1999, is one of the continent’s largest technology distributors, operating in 47 African countries and partnering with more than 30 global technology brands. Organisers say its involvement underscores growing private-sector interest in nurturing local innovation ecosystems across Africa.