MTN Foundation has launched the seventh phase of its ICT business skills training for over 2,000 Nigerian entrepreneurs, in line with the Federal Government’s National Digital Economy and SME Development agenda. The first week of the virtual programme ran from Monday, January 5, 2026, to Friday, January 9, 2026, and is aimed at helping small business owners transition from paper-based operations to digital tools that boost productivity and efficiency.
The training session, led by business analyst Babajide Jolaolu-Kehinde and moderated by Temiloluwa Oyekanmi, programme and partnerships lead, introduced participants to the SWOT framework, Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats to assess their businesses and identify areas for improvement. Babajide highlighted the importance of maintaining digital records, adopting online payment methods, and tracking customer data, noting that these practices support Nigeria’s broader push to formalise and scale SMEs. “Hope is good, but action and systems make growth happen,” he stressed.
Trainers shared practical examples of how traders who previously relied on handwritten records expanded their businesses by using WhatsApp, online marketplaces, and spreadsheets. Accepting mobile transfers instead of cash and leveraging digital order channels enabled some entrepreneurs to reach customers beyond their immediate locations.
The programme also addressed the limitations of manual operations, with trainers noting that paper-based records limit visibility into sales performance and customer behaviour. Digital tools, they explained, provide real-time insights, reduce errors, and open access to wider markets, helping SMEs grow sustainably.
By the end of the week, participants were encouraged to implement at least one digital improvement in their businesses. Organisers confirmed plans for follow-up workshops and mentorship sessions to ensure continued SME growth and contribute to Nigeria’s long-term economic development goals. The training is scheduled to continue for an additional four weeks.
