cialisicoIntroduction
If you are a young graduate looking to build a successful career in agricbusiness, development consulting, project management, partnerships development, or AgTech, the Ikore Graduate Trainee Program 2026 is one of the best opportunities to start strong.
This highly competitive 6-month internship program is designed for passionate graduates who want hands-on experience working with one of Africa’s leading development organizations—Ikore International Development Limited.
In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn everything about the program—requirements, benefits, salary, job roles, application process, and tips to get selected. Whether you’re in Abuja or planning to move there for career opportunities, this guide will help you craft a perfect application.
⭐ What is the Ikore Graduate Trainee Program 2026?
The Ikore Graduate Trainee Program is a 24-week intensive career-development internship created to train, mentor, and empower young professionals interested in:
- Agricbusiness
- Market systems development
- Partnership development
- Development consulting
- Technology and innovation
- Project implementation
- AgTech and Agric value chain solutions
Ikore is well known across Nigeria and Africa for working in vulnerable, underserved, and hard-to-reach communities, providing innovative solutions that build resilient market systems.
🌿 About Ikore International Development Limited
Ikore is an international development organization headquartered in Nigeria. The organisation focuses on creating sustainable social and enterprise development solutions across Africa.
Ikore works actively in the following areas:
- Agricultural value chain development
- Market systems strengthening
- Project implementation & monitoring
- Community development
- Innovation and AgTech
- Development consultancy services
Their projects support smallholder farmers, build resilient communities, and foster economic growth through innovative, market-led solutions.
APPLY HERE: https://ikore.org/job/2026-graduate-trainee-program
🎯 Program Overview
The Ikore Graduate Trainee Program 2026 lasts for 6 months and is fully onsite in Abuja (FCT). The program exposes trainees to real-world problems, community engagements, innovation labs, and market-led interventions.
Key Program Goals:
- Train young professionals in agricbusiness development
- Build strong business, soft, and technical skills
- Provide mentorship from industry experts
- Prepare participants for long-term careers in development, research, and enterprise consulting
This is more than an internship—it is a career accelerator.
🧑💼 Available Career Tracks at Ikore
Ikore is accepting applications for various professional tracks within the Graduate Trainee Program. Below is a breakdown of each specialization and what to expect.
1. Partnerships Development Track
As a trainee in this track, you will help Ikore expand business opportunities, build collaborations, and support donor engagement.
H3: Key Responsibilities
- Identify and build new partnerships
- Conduct financial and non-financial due diligence
- Support proposal writing and business development
- Conduct market research to identify new donor opportunities
- Evaluate business solutions for community development
- Engage investors, funders, and partners
- Participate in project ideation and technical design
This role is perfect for graduates who enjoy communication, research, strategy, and building professional networks.
2. Project Implementation Support Track
This track focuses on monitoring, supervision, coordination, and implementation of market systems development interventions.
Key Responsibilities
- Support field implementation of projects
- Facilitate stakeholder meetings
- Prepare project progress reports
- Analyze project risks and recommend solutions
- Monitor multiple project workstreams
- Collaborate with international and local partners
- Lead market opportunity identification
- Assist in developing intervention strategies for rural markets
This role suits graduates interested in project management, rural development, and community engagement.
3. Startup & Technology Management Track
This specialization targets graduates who want to work in innovation, digital solutions, product development, and tech-driven business models.
Specific Responsibilities
- Evaluate new business models
- Conduct market analysis and feasibility studies
- Build business cases for innovation concepts
- Develop product strategies and roadmaps
- Write Product Requirement Documents (PRDs)
- Collaborate with technical teams to enhance product development
This track is ideal for candidates with an interest in AgTech, innovation design, and digital transformation.
🌟 What You Will Gain from the Ikore Graduate Trainee Program
The program offers career benefits that many internships in Nigeria do not provide.
Major Benefits Include:
- ✔ Mentorship from industry experts
- ✔ Access to professional development opportunities
- ✔ Monthly stipend between NGN 200,000 – NGN 300,000
- ✔ Hands-on experience working on impactful projects
- ✔ Opportunity for retention upon successful completion
- ✔ Skill acquisition in research, writing, consulting, and project management
- ✔ Exposure to donor relations, investment opportunities, and startup ecosystems
This makes the Ikore Graduate Trainee Program one of the highest-paying and most competitive internships in Nigeria.
📋 Eligibility Criteria for Ikore 2026 Graduate Trainee Program
To be considered for the program, applicants must meet the following requirements:
Academic Requirements
- First Class or Second Class Upper degree
- Acceptable fields:
- Engineering
- Sciences
- Finance & Investment
- Project Management
- Business Management
- Economics
- Agric-related fields
- Or other relevant disciplines
Age Requirement
- Must be 22 to 30 years old
Location Requirement
- Must be a resident of Abuja (FCT)
Skill Requirements
Candidates must demonstrate:
- Excellent research and writing skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication abilities
- Analytical thinking and creativity
- Ability to work under pressure
- Project management experience
- Entrepreneurial mindset
- Interest in Agricbusiness and AgTech
- Experience working in startups is an added advantage
📌 Mode of Work
The Ikore Graduate Trainee Program is 100% onsite in Abuja.
Applicants must be willing to work physically with the Ikore team.
💼 Application Process for Ikore Graduate Trainee Program
Follow these steps to apply:
Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare your CV/Resume
- Write a compelling cover letter explaining your interest
- Address the cover letter properly
- Use the appropriate job title as your email subject
- Send your application to:
📧 jobs@ikore.org - Submit before the deadline:
November 28, 2025
🗓️ Important Dates
| Stage | Date |
|---|---|
| Job Posted | November 14, 2025 |
| Closing Date | November 28, 2025 |
| Location | Abuja |
| Program Duration | 6 Months |
| Stipend | NGN 200,000 – NGN 300,000 |
💡 Tips to Increase Your Chances of Getting Selected
Ikore receives hundreds of applications. To stand out:
1. Use a Professional CV Format
Highlight:
- Project experience
- Leadership skills
- Research or field experience
- Volunteer work
2. Write a Strong Cover Letter
Explain:
- Why you’re passionate about development
- Why Ikore is your preferred organization
- What value you can bring
3. Show Your Agricbusiness or Startup Interest
Emphasize:
- Startup experience
- Agric experience
- Market systems knowledge
- Volunteer/community work
4. Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
5. Use a Clear Email Subject Line
Example:
Application for Graduate Trainee Program – Project Implementation Track
🔍 Why You Should Consider a Career at Ikore
Ikore provides a unique opportunity to:
- Work on community-driven projects
- Build a career in development consulting
- Access international partners and networks
- Improve your employability in sectors like AgTech, NGOs, consulting, and donor-funded projects
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is the Ikore Graduate Trainee Program paid?
Yes. The program offers NGN 200,000 – NGN 300,000 monthly.
2. Must I live in Abuja?
Yes. The role is onsite, and applicants must reside in Abuja.
3. What degree classification is accepted?
Only First Class and Second Class Upper (2.1).
4. Is there retention after the program?
Yes. Outstanding trainees may be offered full-time roles.
5. Do I need Agric-related experience?
Not mandatory, but interest in Agricbusiness and development is required.
🔗 Read More
- 🚀 Reliable Steel & Plastic Ind. Ltd. Engineering Graduate Trainee Program 2025
- DP World Engineering Graduate Trainee Program 2025
- 🚀 Startup Place Limited Graduate Trainee Program 2025
Conclusion
The Ikore Graduate Trainee Program 2026 is one of the most competitive and rewarding opportunities for graduates in Abuja. With a strong learning structure, hands-on experience, and a high monthly stipend, it sets the foundation for a successful career in development consulting, agricbusiness, and innovation.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t hesitate—prepare your application and submit it before the deadline.
This opportunity could be the beginning of your journey into impact-driven work and global development.
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