The MTN Foundation has unveiled the seventh phase of its flagship ICT and Business Skills Training initiative, with plans to equip 6,000 young Nigerians with digital and entrepreneurial expertise. This round of training will span the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and seven states: Bauchi, Bayelsa, Enugu, Ondo, Plateau, Sokoto, and Taraba.
Targeted at Nigerians aged 18 to 35, the programme is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs and owners of micro-enterprises who are eager to build competitive businesses in a digital economy. Participants will undertake four weeks of blended training—combining self-paced online modules with instructor-led learning—before concluding with a week of intensive Masterclasses delivered by seasoned industry professionals.
Speaking on the initiative, MTN Foundation’s Executive Director, Odunayo Sanya, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to nurturing Nigeria’s next generation of business leaders. “We believe in the potential of Nigerian youth to shape innovation and transformation. By providing access to skills, knowledge, and resources, this programme enables young entrepreneurs to grow sustainable businesses and positively impact their communities,” she said.
Since its inception in 2018, the ICT and Business Skills Training programme has reached 9,384 participants across 22 states. Beyond the classroom, the Foundation has also extended tangible support—over 500 micro-business owners have received equipment grants to scale their operations. In this new phase, the top 600 performers will be awarded post-training support, including business equipment grants collectively valued at up to ₦300 million.
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The Foundation explained that its investment in youth entrepreneurship is rooted in its broader vision of nation-building. By equipping young Nigerians with digital literacy and sound business practices, MTN aims to create a pipeline of entrepreneurs who will generate jobs, stimulate local economies, and contribute to Nigeria’s long-term socio-economic development.
With one of the largest youth populations in Africa, Nigeria faces persistent challenges of unemployment and limited access to structured entrepreneurial support. Initiatives such as MTN’s ICT and Business Skills Training bridge this gap by not only delivering knowledge but also providing practical resources that fuel enterprise growth.
As digital transformation continues to reshape markets and industries, the Foundation emphasized that combining ICT proficiency with business acumen is critical for competitiveness. The programme, now in its seventh phase, underscores MTN’s recognition that empowering youth entrepreneurs is a cornerstone of inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria.
