Apply for the MTN Foundation ICT and Business skills training

MTN Nigeria Foundation has officially opened applications for Phase 7 of its ICT & Business Skills Training programme, a youth empowerment initiative designed to equip young micro-business owners with essential tech and business skills. With a grant fund of ₦300,000,000, this edition promises to expand impact and reach in multiple states.

About the programme

The ICT & Business Skills Training Phase 7 is a blended, 5-week training programme combining self-paced online learning with instructor-led masterclasses. It targets young Nigerians who run micro-businesses, aiming to help them leverage technology to remain competitive, professionalise their operations, and scale sustainably. MTN provides support, such as internet/data, to ensure connectivity doesn’t block participation.

A standout feature of this phase is that the top 600 participants will receive an Equipment Grant, drawn from a ₦300 million pool, to help them upgrade their tools and infrastructure for their businesses.

Who can participate

To qualify, applicants must:

• Be a Nigerian male or female, aged 18–35 years.
• Own and manage a micro business that has been operating for no longer than 2 years.
• Be located in one of the following states: Abuja (FCT), Bauchi, Bayelsa, Enugu, Ondo, Plateau, Sokoto, or Taraba.

What you’ll gain

Participants in Phase 7 will receive:

• Five weeks of structured learning combining self-paced and instructor-led sessions.
• Masterclasses by industry experts in tech, business, and digital tools.
• Support with data/internet, easing access to online portions of the training.
• For the top 600, an Equipment Grant from the ₦300 million fund to help upgrade or acquire tools needed for business growth.

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Why this matters

• The digital economy is increasingly shaping business in Nigeria. Micro-business owners who can adapt with tech tools will have an edge.
• Young entrepreneurs in less digitalised states often lack access to training and infrastructure; MTN’s programme helps close that gap.
• By targeting newer businesses (≤2 years old), this programme helps entrepreneurs at a critical growth phase, where support often makes a big difference.

Application process

• The application is open via MTN’s Foundation portal.
• You’ll need to follow the eligibility requirements (age, business ownership, location).
• Ensure you have information about your business, how long you’ve been operating, and that you can show the business is within your state of residence.
• If you’re interested, apply early — validated entries and clarity in your application usually help.

Key figures and past reach

• Since 2018, MTN has conducted six prior phases of this training in 22 states, in partnership with organisations like Google, Oracle, KPMG, IBM, Cisco, Meta, Digital Bridge Institute, among others.
• Over 9,382 young micro-business owners have already completed the programme and benefited.
• In Phase 7, 6,000 micro businesses are expected to participate.

When and where

• The programme is open to those in Abuja, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Enugu, Ondo, Plateau, Sokoto, or Taraba states only.
• The format is blended (online + instructor-led masterclasses).
• Applications are made via the MTN Foundation’s website, accessed through the “Apply Now” link.

If you are a young entrepreneur with a micro business, especially one less than two years old, this is a golden chance to upgrade your skills, access mentorship, and get resources through the equipment grant. This opportunity can help you boost your business operation, visibility, and sustainability.

APPLY FOR THE MTN ICT AND BUSINESS SKILLS TRAINING