The world has gotten a lot smaller for Nigerian tech workers. The “Japa” trend is no longer just about wanting a better life; it has become a strategic move for the “African Tech Diaspora”, a group of highly skilled innovators who are now working in the boardrooms of Palo Alto and the co-working spaces of Berlin-Mitte.
The move to global tech hubs like Silicon Valley or Berlin is a big step for both software engineers with a game-changing app and founders who want to grow their fintech solution. But moving to another country and expanding a business can be very expensive. The good news? There are more specialised grants, non-dilutive funding pools, and “soft-landing” programmes for Nigerian talent than ever before in 2026.
This guide will help you understand the current state of grants and find the financial help you need to move to the world’s most important tech ecosystems.
The Relocation Reality: Why These Hubs?
Silicon Valley remains the optimal location for venture capital and innovative ideas. For a Nigerian founder, the Bay Area is a favourable place to be because it’s close to investors who can write cheques for $10 million. Berlin, on the other hand, has become Europe’s “Silicon Allee.”. It is known for its focus on deep tech, its lower cost of living than London or San Francisco, and its surprisingly strong community of African entrepreneurs.
Both cities want the Nigerian techies’ unique ability to solve problems. But moving from the tech scene in Lagos to these hubs requires more than just a visa; you also need money that won’t eat into your equity.
Grants for the Silicon Valley Move: The American Pathway
If you’re going to California, the main thing to think about is how much growth potential there is. Grants for the diaspora in the U.S. often put “innovation” and “scalability” at the top of their lists.
Google for Startups Black Founders Fund (Global)
This fund is not just for people moving, but it has become the main way for Nigerian founders to enter the U.S. market.
- The Benefit: Up to $150,000 in equity-free cash, plus $100,000 in Google Cloud credits.
- Why it matters: It provides the “runway” needed to survive the high cost of living in San Francisco while you hunt for your Series A funding.
The Thiel Fellowship (Relocation Focused)
Peter Thiel’s $100,000 grant is a direct ticket to Silicon Valley for young innovators (under 23) who are willing to “drop out” of traditional systems to build something that will change the world.
- The Catch: It is well-known for being competitive and for focusing on “radical” ideas.
- The Diaspora Advantage: They actively look for people from other countries who can help solve problems in the U.S. with a global point of view.
The African Diaspora Network (ADN) – Builders of Africa’s Future
ADN is based in Silicon Valley and gives money and advice to African business owners. Their “soft landing” program helps Nigerian founders deal with the legal and financial issues that come up in the U.S. tech market.
Grants for the Berlin Move: The European Pathway
The government often backs Germany’s approach, making it more organised. Berlin has a number of “bridge” grants just for international talent.
The Berlin Startup Scholarship (Berliner Startup Stipendium)
Many individuals relocating to Berlin view this as the ultimate opportunity. Those who are just starting their businesses are the target audience.
- The Grant: Approximately €2,000 to €2,500 per month, per founder, for 6–12 months.
- Requirements: You must be based in Berlin, and your startup must be associated with one of Berlin’s universities or technical colleges.
The “Imagine Foundation” Relocation Support
This Berlin-based non-profit doesn’t give direct cash grants in the usual sense, but it does help Nigerian software engineers move to Germany by giving them full financial support and coaching on how to do it.
- Why this matters: They often help cover the “invisible costs” like professional licence translations, initial housing deposits, and visa processing fees.
AU-EU Youth Action Lab – Cooperation Grants
The AU-EU partnership has given out specific “Cooperation Grants” of up to €50,000 for partnerships between people from different continents since 2026. This fund helps close the operational gap between Lagos and Berlin if your Nigerian startup has a European partner, which is a common requirement for many Berlin-based grants.
Nigerian Government “Japa-Friendly” Grants
In a surprising turn of events, the Nigerian government has set up funds to help the “Global Nigerian” instead of trying to stop the brain drain. The goal of these funds is to help you set up your business in a way that is beneficial for both your new home and Nigeria.
The initiative is known as the iDICE Program (2026 Expansion). The African Development Bank backs the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme, which has started a “Fund of Funds” just for tech startups.
- Eligibility:
- If you move to Silicon Valley or Berlin and keep a research and development (R&D) team in Nigeria, you might be able to get scaling grants of up to $100,000.
- The Strategy: The government encourages you to “Japa” (leave Nigeria) and then “give back” by employing local developers at your new global headquarters.
NITDA’s International Tech Talent Program
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) sometimes gives travel and exhibition grants to Nigerian techies who go to big global events like SXSW in Austin or TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco. These grants could lead to a permanent move.
How to Successfully Apply for International Grants
When applying for funding in a very competitive market like Berlin or Silicon Valley, you need to do things differently than when you apply for funding in your own area.
1. Focus on the “Global Problem” People who give money to these hubs want to know how your Nigerian-born solution works in other parts of the world. If you made a fintech app for Nigerians who don’t have bank accounts, tell us how that technology could help other emerging markets or even communities in the U.S. that don’t have enough access to banking.
2. Traction is Your Currency Even grants that don’t require equity now need proof of concept. Before you move, make sure you have a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) and, if possible, some paying customers.
3. The “Two-Foot” Strategy You usually have to show how you will stay connected to Africa to get a grant for the diaspora. Be ready to talk about how your move to Silicon Valley will help the tech ecosystem in Nigeria grow, like by hiring people remotely or investing there.
The Hidden Costs: What Grants Usually Don’t Cover
It is important to keep your hopes in check. Most grants are “restricted,” which means they can only be used for business costs, like marketing or server costs. They don’t often cover:
- Visa Legal Fees: Unless otherwise specified, you will likely be responsible for covering your O-1 (USA) or Blue Card (Germany) lawyer fees yourself.
- Health Insurance: In Germany, health insurance is mandatory and can be expensive for freelancers.
- Housing Deposits: Berlin and Silicon Valley are both known for having very competitive housing markets. Get ready to put down 2–3 months’ worth of rent as a deposit.
Conclusion: Building a Global Legacy
The story of the Nigerian tech diaspora is changing. It’s not about leaving anymore; it’s about growing. The grants available in 2026 are meant to make sure that your talent doesn’t go to waste because you don’t have enough money to start your business. You can live in Palo Alto, which has a lot of venture capital, or Berlin, which has a lot of creative, community-driven alleys.
Your move is a link between two worlds. Obtaining the appropriate grant will finance your relocation and facilitate the development of a global career that integrates Nigeria’s vibrant culture with the world’s technological future.
