The MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme (Phase 8) is now open for applications, offering young Nigerian women the opportunity to acquire practical digital, technology and business skills that can help them start, strengthen and grow their businesses.
The five-week programme is designed specifically for young female microbusiness owners aged 18 to 35 whose businesses have been operating for no more than two years.
Phase 8 will train 3,000 female microbusiness owners from Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano and Gombe States.
In addition to the training, participants will have the opportunity to compete for a share of a ₦100 million equipment grant fund, with the top 100 participants eligible to receive equipment grants of up to ₦1 million each.
The MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training Programme is a capacity-building initiative designed to help young microbusiness owners develop the digital and business skills needed to operate more effectively in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
Training & Certification
The programme has been running since 2018 and has delivered seven previous phases in collaboration with major technology, professional services and training organisations, including Google, Oracle, KPMG, IBM, Digital Bridge Institute, Cisco, Meta and Microsoft.
According to the programme information, more than 15,000 young microbusiness owners have completed the initiative across participating states in Nigeria.
Phase 8 continues this effort, with a particular focus on young female entrepreneurs in six selected states.
MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Phase 8 Details
- Organiser: MTN Foundation
- Programme: ICT and Business Skills Training Programme – Phase 8
- Duration: 5 weeks
- Training Format: Blended learning
- Number of Participants: 3,000 female microbusiness owners
- Eligible States: Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano and Gombe
- Age Requirement: 18–35 years
- Application Fee: Free
- Application Deadline: October 11, 2026
Who Can Apply?
The Phase 8 programme has specific eligibility requirements. Applicants must
- Be a Nigerian female aged 18 to 35 years
- Own and manage a microbusiness
- Have a business that has operated for no more than two years
- Have their business located in Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano or Gombe State
Applicants should carefully confirm that their business and personal details meet the stated requirements before submitting an application.
How the Five-Week Training Works
Phase 8 will use a blended-learning approach, allowing participants to learn through different formats.
1. Self-Paced Online Learning
Participants will have access to online learning modules that they can complete at their own pace.
This allows learners to develop their knowledge outside instructor-led sessions while progressing through the programme requirements.
2. Instructor-Led Sessions
Data Support for Participants
Participants will receive data support during the programme to help facilitate access to the online learning components.
This is particularly important because a significant portion of the programme will involve digital and online learning activities.
₦100 Million Equipment Grant Opportunity
One of the major opportunities associated with Phase 8 is the equipment grant component.
Benefits
— Full sponsorship
— Free 5-week ICT and business training
— Regular mobile data support
— Access to ₦100 million equipment grant pool for participants
Application deadline:
October 11, 2026
