BusinessDay Young Economists Writing Challenge 2027

Scholarship Details

Introduction

Applications are open for the 2027 BusinessDay Young Economists Writing Challenge, an initiative by BusinessDay Newsroom designed to identify and encourage the next generation of economists in Nigeria.

Under the theme “Ideas. Analysis. The Future of Africa’s Economy,” the competition invites undergraduate Economics students to submit original articles examining important issues shaping Nigeria’s economy and its future.

Participants will have an opportunity to demonstrate their ideas, research abilities and analytical skills. Winners will receive cash prizes, publication in BusinessDay, professional recognition and a one-month internship with BusinessDay journalists and economists.

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The competition opens on 9 November 2026, and submissions close on 27 November 2026.

About the BusinessDay Young Economists Writing Challenge

The Young Economists Writing Challenge is organised by BusinessDay Newsroom to encourage undergraduate Economics students to move beyond the classroom and apply their knowledge to real economic issues affecting Nigeria and Africa.

The competition focuses on original writing, economic analysis, research and fresh perspectives on the country’s economic future.

Participants are required to write an original article of between 800 and 1,000 words on one of the competition’s three topics.

Competition Topics

Applicants must choose one of the following topics for their article:

1. What Will It Take for Nigeria to Become a Trillion-Dollar Economy?
2. Inflation, Jobs or Economic Growth: Which Should Nigeria Prioritise?
3. Detty December: Can Nigeria Turn Its Festive Economy into a Billion-Dollar Industry?

Each submission must be an original article of 800–1,000 words addressing the selected topic.

Who Can Apply?

The competition is open to:

• Undergraduate Economics students.
• Students enrolled in recognised Nigerian universities.

Applicants must provide their valid student identification details as part of the submission requirements.

Prizes and Benefits

The competition offers cash prizes and additional professional opportunities to the top three participants.

Cash Prizes

• First Prize: ₦200,000.
• Second Prize: ₦150,000.
• Third Prize: ₦100,000.

Additional Benefits

Participants who emerge as winners will also receive:

• Publication: Winning articles will be published in BusinessDay.
• Professional recognition: Recognition at a BusinessDay event.
• Certificate: A Certificate of Achievement.
• Internship: A one-month internship with BusinessDay journalists and economists.
• Media exposure: A photograph of the winners will be published in BusinessDay.

How to Enter

Interested students must submit their articles through the QR code provided on the official competition flyer.

Applicants should:

1. Write an original article of 800–1,000 words on any one of the three competition topics.
2. Scan the QR code on the official flyer to access the submission process.
3. Submit the article through the provided submission channel.
4. Include the following information with their submission:
   • Full name.
   • University.
   • Department and level of study.
   • Email address.
   • Phone number.
   • Valid student ID.

Applicants should ensure that their articles are original and that all requested personal and academic information is included.

Competition Timeline

The important dates for the 2027 Young Economists Writing Challenge are:

• Entries open: 9 November 2026.
• Submission deadline: 27 November 2026.
• Winners announced: 5 January 2027.

Interested students should submit their articles before the closing date.

Application Deadline

The submission deadline for the BusinessDay Young Economists Writing Challenge 2027 is:

27 November 2026.

Late submissions may not be considered. Applicants should complete their entries before the deadline.

Conclusion

The BusinessDay Young Economists Writing Challenge 2027 offers Nigerian undergraduate Economics students an opportunity to showcase their analytical and writing abilities while engaging with important questions about Nigeria’s economic future.

With cash prizes of up to ₦200,000, publication in BusinessDay, professional recognition and a one-month internship, the competition provides an opportunity for students to gain valuable exposure.

Eligible students should select one of the three topics, prepare an original article and submit it before 27 November 2026.