Every year, there are chances that do come up that can change the path of young people who are willing to think big. The 2025 National Policy Challenge is one of those chances. It is a call for Nigerian undergraduate students that allows students to bring ideas that are valuable on how digital trade policies can help African startups expand across borders under the African Continental Free Trade Area. This is more than a competition, as it is an opening for students to step into policy conversations that would impact your country and Africa at large.
About the Scholarship
This scholarship is organised under the African Economic Scholars Program (AESP) in partnership with the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (CSEA). The goal is simple: to encourage young minds to think critically about digital trade policies and how they can shape Africa’s economic future.
Instead of reading up policies in the textbooks, the competition allows students to be able to think and create useful ideas that would impact startups and entrepreneurship in Nigeria.
Eligibility
This opportunity is open only to undergraduate students in Nigerian tertiary institutions. So, whether you are studying economics, political science, law, computer science, business, or any other course, you can apply. What matters most is your ability to bring smart, practical policy ideas to the table.
Guidelines for Submission
To make sure your entry is valid, here are the key things you must follow:
- All entries must be submitted only through the official application link.
- Your document should be in PDF format only.
- The write-up must not be more than 2,000 words (excluding references and extra pages).
- Plagiarized or AI-generated content will not be accepted. Every word must be your own.
- The top 10 finalists will be contacted to present their policy ideas.
These rules are strict because the organisers want to make sure the competition is fair and credible.
Prizes and Benefits
Competitions are more exciting when there are real rewards. The National Policy Challenge comes with cash prizes for the best entries:
- Winner: ₦250,000
- 1st Runner-up: ₦150,000
- 2nd Runner-up: ₦100,000
But beyond the money, there is something more valuable: exposure. Being a finalist means you get to present your work to experts and policy leaders. That experience, and the connections y
Deadline
The deadline for submission is September 30, 2025. So, you have to start applying early. Good policy ideas take careful thought and research, so start early.
What Students Stand to Gain
- Recognition: Another benefit is that your work will be seen by top policy thinkers in Africa.
- Confidence: Presenting your ideas to experts helps you grow as a future leader.
- Networking: it connects you with like-minded young scholars and professionals.
- Experience: getting first exposure and experience on how to move from theory to practical
- Financial Assistantt: The money to be won will be of assistance in the university to get access to some school materials.
How to Apply
Applying is simple:
- Write your policy essay following the rules (maximum 2,000 words, PDF format).
- Go to the official application link: Application Link
- Submit your entry before the deadline.
- Wait to hear back, if you are among the top 10, you will be invited to present.
For any questions or clarifications, you can send an email to: aesprogram2023@gmail.com
Explore more opportunities like this
We at Icanstudent wish you the very best in your scholarship application process. Don’t forget to follow the Icanstudent website for more information and guidelines on how to be a top applicant in your scholarship application process. Good luck!!!
