MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme – Phase 8 (Nigeria)

Deadline: 11-Oct-2026

The MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme is offering Nigerian female microbusiness owners aged 18–35 an opportunity to develop practical digital and business skills. Phase 8 will train 3,000 women across six Nigerian states, with the top 100 participants eligible to receive equipment grants of up to ₦1 million to support business growth and digital transformation.

About the MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme

The programme is designed to help young female microbusiness owners build the digital, technology, and business skills needed to operate and grow their businesses in a rapidly changing economy. Phase 8 will focus on 3,000 female microbusiness owners from: - Rivers State - Abia State - Ogun State - Kwara State - Kano State - Gombe State The training combines practical learning with business-focused activities to help participants apply new skills directly to their businesses. What Does the Programme Offer? Participants will receive five weeks of blended training covering digital and business skills.

The programme includes:

- Self-paced online learning modules. - Instructor-led training sessions. - Masterclasses delivered by experienced entrepreneurs. - A capstone project challenge. - Data support to facilitate participation in online learning. - Opportunities to apply newly acquired skills to their businesses. The blended approach allows participants to combine independent learning with structured instruction and practical business activities. Five-Week Training Programme The training will run for five weeks. Participants will engage in different learning formats throughout the programme, including online modules, instructor-led sessions, and masterclasses. The capstone project challenge will provide an opportunity for participants to demonstrate how they can apply the skills gained during the training to their businesses. Equipment Grants for Top Participants The programme includes a ₦100 million equipment grant fund for the highest-performing participants. The top 100 participants can receive equipment grants of up to ₦1 million each.

The grants are intended to support:

- Business growth. - Digital transformation. - Access to useful business equipment. - Improved business operations. - Application of technology and digital skills. The equipment grants provide an opportunity for successful participants to turn their training into practical improvements within their microbusinesses. Who Can Apply? Applicants must meet the programme’s eligibility requirements.

Eligible applicants must:

- Be Nigerian females. - Be between 18 and 35 years old. - Own and manage a microbusiness. - Have a business that has been operational for no more than two years. - Have a business located in Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano, or Gombe State. The programme is specifically designed for female microbusiness owners in the participating states. Eligible States Businesses must be located in one of the following states: - Rivers - Abia - Ogun - Kwara - Kano - Gombe Applicants from outside these states are not eligible under Phase 8. Support for Digital Business Growth The programme focuses on helping women entrepreneurs respond to the increasing importance of technology and digital skills in business. Through training, masterclasses, data support, and practical projects, participants can develop skills that may help them improve how they manage and grow their businesses. The equipment grants provide additional support for selected participants to implement digital and operational improvements after the training. Key Details at a Glance

- Programme: MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme

- Phase: Phase 8

- Participants: 3,000 female microbusiness owners

- Age: 18–35 years

- Location: Nigeria

- Eligible states: Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano, and Gombe

- Training duration: Five weeks

- Training format: Blended learning

- Equipment grant: Up to ₦1 million

- Grant recipients: Top 100 participants

- Total equipment grant fund: ₦100 million

- Business requirement: Microbusiness operational for no more than two years

- Data support: Available to participants

Frequently Asked Questions What is the MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme? It is a training programme designed to provide young Nigerian female microbusiness owners with practical digital, technology, and business skills to help them grow their businesses. How many women will participate in Phase 8? Phase 8 will train 3,000 female microbusiness owners. How long is the training? The training will run for five weeks using a blended-learning approach. What does the training include? The programme includes self-paced online modules, instructor-led sessions, entrepreneur masterclasses, a capstone project challenge, and data support. How much can the top participants receive? The top 100 participants can receive up to ₦1 million each in equipment grants. What is the total equipment grant fund? A total of ₦100 million has been allocated for equipment grants. Who is eligible to apply? Nigerian females aged 18–35 who own and manage a microbusiness that has operated for no more than two years can apply, provided the business is located in one of the six eligible states. Which states are covered by Phase 8? The programme covers Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano, and Gombe states. Can businesses that have operated for more than two years apply? No. Eligible businesses must have been operational for no more than two years. Do participants receive data support? Yes. Participants will receive data support to help them take part in the online learning and apply the skills gained to their businesses. Conclusion The MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme provides Nigerian female microbusiness owners with an opportunity to strengthen their digital and business capabilities through five weeks of blended training. In addition to training and data support, the programme offers the top 100 participants equipment grant