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.
