By Christiana Ekpa
The South East Development Commission has announced the grand finale of its inaugural South East Venture Capital Program (SEVCP) Pitch Competition, with 50 startups emerging as finalists from over 1,200 applications across the region.
The finals of the competition will hold on May 25, 2026, while the investment ceremony is scheduled for May 26 at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commission described the initiative as one of the biggest public-backed startup investment programmes in South-East Nigeria, aimed at deepening venture capital financing and boosting innovation-driven enterprises in the region.
According to the Commission, the programme aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly the administration’s commitment to expanding local funding opportunities for startups and strengthening investor confidence in Nigeria’s economy.
SEDC said the applications, received following the March 13 call for entries, were subjected to a rigorous multi-stage selection process under both the accelerator and incubation tracks.
The shortlisted 50 ventures are expected to undergo a week-long boot camp focused on pitch readiness and investment preparation ahead of the final presentations.
During the finals, participating startups will pitch before a panel of investors and industry experts, with 30 ventures expected to secure structured investment commitments.
The selected startups will also gain admission into a post-investment incubation and acceleration programme designed to support long-term growth and scalability.
The Commission noted that the event would attract founders, angel investors, venture capital firms, development finance institutions, corporate organisations, diaspora investors, policymakers, and other stakeholders within Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
SEDC added that the initiative forms part of broader efforts to unlock private capital, strengthen institutional credibility, and drive sustainable economic development across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states.
Executive Director of Finance at SEDC and Chairman of the Venture Capital Programme, Stanley Ohajuruka, signed the statement.
Attendance at the event is strictly by registration, the Commission said.
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