The MTN Foundation has announced the seventh phase of its ICT and Business Skills Training programme, targeting 6,000 young entrepreneurs and aspiring business owners across Nigeria. The initiative, which focuses on digital inclusion and business empowerment, will cover the Federal Capital Territory and seven states: Bauchi, Bayelsa, Enugu, Ondo, Plateau, Sokoto, and Taraba.
The training is open to Nigerians aged 18 to 35 who are eager to acquire ICT and business knowledge to strengthen their micro-enterprises. Participants will undergo four weeks of blended learning, which combines self-paced modules with instructor-led sessions, followed by a week of Masterclasses delivered by industry experts.
According to MTN Foundation’s Executive Director, Odunayo Sanya, the programme reflects a deep commitment to youth empowerment. “We believe in the power of Nigeria’s youth to lead innovation and transformation. Through this programme, we are providing access to the right tools, skills, and resources to help young entrepreneurs succeed and make an impact in their communities,” she said.
Since the programme began in 2018, it has trained 9,384 entrepreneurs across 22 states. Beyond training, more than 500 micro business owners have received equipment grants to expand their ventures. For this new phase, the top 600 participants will benefit from post-training support and equipment grants valued at up to N300 million in total.
The Foundation highlights that its investments in entrepreneurship are tied to a larger vision of nation-building. By equipping young people with digital and business skills, MTN is enabling them to build sustainable enterprises that can generate employment, boost local economies, and contribute to Nigeria’s long-term development.
Nigeria’s youth population is one of the largest in Africa, and many face challenges in accessing quality jobs and entrepreneurial support. Initiatives like the MTN Foundation’s ICT and Business Skills Training provide practical opportunities to bridge these gaps by offering not just knowledge, but also resources that directly support business growth.
As digital technologies continue to reshape markets, training programs that focus on both ICT and business management are becoming vital tools for entrepreneurs seeking to remain competitive. The MTN Foundation’s continued investment in this area reflects a recognition that empowering young entrepreneurs is key to driving inclusive economic growth.
