Get started, easily!

Learn about the EMERGE Programme, check your eligibility, and apply for funding in a few simple steps.
Check your eligibilityApply now

You apply...

A single guided path from registration to disbursement. The EMERGE Programme is designed to be simple and straightforward, with a clear process that takes you from application to funding.
01. Register
Create your portal account at https://applications.smdf-emerge.com.ng.
02. Prepare documents
Collate what your stream needs and ensure you have all the necessary documentation ready.
03. Upload
Upload your documentation to the portal and ensure all files are complete and accurate.
04. Submit
Complete all necessary fields and submit the form for review and consideration by the EMERGE team.

...then we assess & award.

Once you submit your application, our team will review it and assess your eligibility for funding. If your application is successful, we will work with you to disburse the funds and support you in achieving your goals.
05. Eligibility Screening
06. Technical review
07. Approval
08. Notification
09. Grant disbursement
Start your application now
Guidelines cover

EMERGE Grant Manual

Download the EMERGE Grant Manual to learn more about the funding streams, eligibility criteria, and application process.
Download the manual
Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

What EMERGE funds, who can apply, and how the process works.
About the Programme
What is the SMDF-EMERGE Mining Grant Programme?
The SMDF-EMERGE Mining Grant Programme, the Early-Stage Mineral Exploration & Research Grant Endowment (EMERGE), is a grant programme of the Solid Minerals Development Fund (SMDF), an agency of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development. It was created to unlock Nigeria's mineral potential by helping promising projects move past the early exploration stage, where most stall for want of capital, reliable data, and technical capacity. EMERGE provides catalytic grants, technical support, and research funding to advance early-stage exploration, critical-minerals development and processing, and geoscience research, building a pipeline of investment-ready, bankable projects.
Who is implementing EMERGE?
EMERGE is an initiative of the Solid Minerals Development Fund, an agency of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, implemented in partnership with public and private sector stakeholders. SMDF owns the programme and ensures it stays aligned with national priorities. PwC serves as the Programme Administration Partner, managing the application process, including intake, processing, and eligibility screening, and providing administrative support across the programme.
Funding Streams
What funding streams does EMERGE offer?

EMERGE delivers funding through three complementary streams:

  • Exploration. Grants for grassroots and early-stage exploration, covering geological mapping, geochemical and geophysical surveys, and drilling and assaying toward a maiden resource.
  • Critical Minerals. Targeted exploration of Nigeria's critical minerals (lithium, tin, tantalum, nickel, cobalt and rare earths), plus support for innovative processing technologies that move minerals up the value chain.
  • Research & Development. Grants for applied geoscience and mineral-processing research that strengthen Nigeria's geological knowledge base.
Which stream should I apply under?
Apply under the stream that matches your primary activity. Early-stage exploration companies apply under Exploration; companies whose primary or secondary target is a critical mineral, or who are developing processing technologies for them, apply under Critical Minerals; and universities, research institutions, and Master's and PhD researchers apply under Research & Development.
Eligibility
Who is eligible to apply?
EMERGE is open to three groups: exploration companies; Nigerian universities and accredited research institutions; and Master's and PhD researchers at Nigerian institutions. The detailed requirements differ by group, as set out below.
What are the specific requirements for exploration companies?

To qualify, a company must:

  • be a non-producing, early-stage exploration company that has already undertaken some prospecting;
  • be registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) and tax-compliant, with a valid Tax Identification Number (TIN);
  • hold a valid exploration licence issued by the Mining Cadastre Office;
  • have credible geological data and a clearly defined exploration work programme;
  • field a qualified technical team and demonstrate sound corporate governance; and
  • align with responsible-mining principles.
What are the requirements for universities, research institutions, and Master's and PhD researchers?

Master's and PhD researchers need:

  • proof of enrolment confirming postgraduate (Master's or PhD) status;
  • valid identification;
  • a research proposal;
  • a letter of support from a supervisor or referee;
  • evidence of institutional affiliation.

Universities and research institutions need:

  • proof of accreditation (for example, NUC accreditation);
  • an institutional or research-capacity profile;
  • a detailed proposal;
  • principal-investigator and team details;
  • evidence of institutional affiliation.
Read the full EMERGE FAQs

Got any questions for us?

Reach out to us and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Reach out to us
Reach out to us