MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme Phase 8

Applications are now open for the MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme Phase 8, an initiative designed to equip young Nigerian micro business owners with practical digital, technology and business skills needed to strengthen and grow their businesses.

The programme is focused on young women between the ages of 18 and 35 who own and manage micro businesses that have been operating for no more than two years. For Phase 8, applicants must have businesses located in Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano or Gombe State.

The MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme has been implemented since 2018 and has delivered seven previous phases in partnership with organisations including Google, Oracle, KPMG, IBM, Digital Bridge Institute, Cisco, Meta and Microsoft. According to the current programme listing, more than 15,000 young micro business owners have completed the training across 29 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

Phase 8 will run for five weeks through a blended learning model. Participants will combine self paced online learning with instructor led sessions, masterclasses delivered by experienced entrepreneurs and a capstone project challenge. Participants will also receive data support to help them participate effectively throughout the programme.

About the Programme

The MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme is designed to support young micro business owners with practical skills that can help them operate and develop their businesses in an increasingly digital economy.

The initiative combines technology focused learning with practical business development. Through training sessions, online modules, entrepreneurship masterclasses and a final project challenge, participants are expected to apply what they learn to real business situations.

Since its launch, the programme has expanded through several phases and partnerships with major technology, professional services and digital skills organisations. Phase 8 continues this approach while targeting eligible young female entrepreneurs in six Nigerian states.

The training will last five weeks and will use a blended format. This means participants will engage with online learning materials while also taking part in instructor led activities and masterclasses. The capstone challenge provides an opportunity to demonstrate how the knowledge and skills gained during the programme can be applied to their businesses.

Programme Benefits

• Five weeks of practical ICT and business skills training

• Self paced online learning modules

• Instructor led training sessions

• Masterclasses from experienced entrepreneurs

• Capstone project challenge

• Data support for participants during the training

• Opportunity to strengthen digital and business capabilities

• Opportunity to apply new skills to an existing micro business

• Equipment grants for the top 100 participants

• Access to a share of the ₦100 million equipment grant fund

• Up to ₦1,000,000 equipment grant for each selected top participant

Training Areas

The programme combines several forms of learning designed to support business development.

• ICT and digital skills

• Business skills

• Practical entrepreneurship learning

• Digital application for business growth

• Entrepreneurial masterclasses

• Capstone project development

The programme is designed around practical application, allowing participants to connect the training with the needs of their existing businesses.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a Nigerian citizen

• Be a female entrepreneur

• Be between 18 and 35 years old

• Own and manage a micro business

• Have a business that has been operating for no more than two years

• Have a business located in Rivers State, Abia State, Ogun State, Kwara State, Kano State or Gombe State

Applicants should ensure that their business meets the location and operating period requirements before submitting an application.

Required Application Information

Applicants should provide the information requested through the official application process and ensure that their details accurately reflect their personal and business circumstances.

In particular, applicants should be prepared to demonstrate:

• Nigerian citizenship

• Age between 18 and 35

• Female entrepreneur status

• Ownership and management of a micro business

• Business operating history of no more than two years

• Business location in one of the six eligible states

Applicants should carefully review the application form before submission and provide accurate information.

How to Apply

1. Review the eligibility requirements for the MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme Phase 8.
2. Confirm that your micro business is located in Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano or Gombe State.
3. Confirm that you are a Nigerian woman between 18 and 35 years old.
4. Ensure that your micro business has been operational for no more than two years.
5. Complete the official online application form with accurate personal and business information.
6. Submit your application before the deadline.
7. If selected, participate fully in the five week blended learning programme, including online modules, instructor led sessions, masterclasses and the capstone project challenge.
8. Complete the programme requirements and participate in the activities required for consideration among the top performing participants.