The programme is designed to equip young entrepreneurs with practical ICT, digital and business skills that can help them improve their businesses, reach more customers and operate more efficiently.
For Phase 8, MTN Foundation will train 3,000 female microbusiness owners from Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano and Gombe States.
In addition to the training, the top 100 participants will receive equipment grants of up to ₦1,000,000 each, from a total equipment grant fund of ₦100 million. The programme will run for five weeks using a blended learning approach.
MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training Programme Details
Organiser: MTN Foundation
Eligible Applicants: Nigerian female micro business owners
Age: 18–35 years
Eligible States: Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano and Gombe
Training Duration: Five weeks
Equipment Grant: Up to ₦1,000,000 for each of the top 100 participants
Application Fee: Free
About the MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Programme
The MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme is a youth development initiative of MTN Foundation focused on helping young Nigerian microbusiness owners develop the skills required to succeed in an increasingly digital economy.
The programme has been running since 2018 and has previously been implemented in collaboration with organisations including Google, Oracle, KPMG, IBM, Digital Bridge Institute, Cisco, Meta and Microsoft.
According to MTN Foundation, 15,362 young microbusiness owners have completed previous phases of the programme.
Phase 8 is specifically focused on female microbusiness owners in six Nigerian states. A total of 3,000 participants will receive training aimed at helping them strengthen their businesses through technology and improved business practices.
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Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training Programme Phase 8, an applicant must:
- Be a Nigerian female.
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Own and manage a micro business.
- Have a business that has been operational for no more than two years.
- Have the business located in Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano or Gombe State.
The programme is therefore specifically targeted at women who are already running relatively young micro businesses in the listed states.
What Will Participants Learn?
Phase 8 combines technology training with practical business development.
The five-week programme will use a blended learning approach, meaning participants will learn through different formats rather than relying entirely on physical classes.
The programme includes:
- Self-paced online learning modules.
- Instructor-led training sessions.
- Masterclasses delivered by experienced entrepreneurs.
- A capstone project challenge.
- Practical application of newly acquired skills to participants' businesses.
- Data support to help participants access and complete the online learning activities.
The training is intended to help participants understand how digital tools and better business practices can be applied to real business challenges.
Benefits of the Programme
Successful applicants will benefit from:
Free ICT and Business Skills Training
Participants will receive practical training in technology, digital skills and business development to help them improve how they operate their businesses.
Five-Week Blended Training
The programme will run for five weeks and combine online learning, instructor-led sessions, entrepreneurial masterclasses and a practical project.
Data Support
MTN Foundation says participants will receive data support to facilitate their participation in the training.
Opportunity to Win Up to ₦1 Million
The top 100 participants will receive equipment grants of up to ₦1,000,000 each.
The grants will come from a total ₦100 million equipment grant fund.
The equipment grant is therefore not automatically given to every participant. It is specifically for the top 100 participants based on the programme's selection or performance process.
How to Apply
Interested applicants can apply online through the official MTN ICT and Business Skills application platform.
Step 1: Visit the Application Portal
Go to:
CLICK HERE TO APPLY JOIN WHATSAPP FOR MORE
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Provide the required personal and business information accurately.
Make sure the information you provide reflects your actual business and current circumstances.
Step 3: Review Your Information
Before submitting, carefully check your details, especially your age, state, business information and contact details.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Submit the completed application through the official platform before the deadline.
Applicants should use only the official MTN Foundation application channels and should not pay individuals claiming to be agents or representatives.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training Programme Phase 8 is October 11, 2026.
Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.
Important Information About the ₦1 Million Grant
It is important to understand that the ₦1,000,000 equipment grant is not guaranteed for everyone who participates in the programme.
MTN Foundation states that the top 100 participants will receive up to ₦1 million each from the ₦100 million equipment grant fund.
Therefore, applicants should distinguish between the training opportunity, which is for 3,000 selected female microbusiness owners, and the equipment grant, which is reserved for the top 100 participants.
Important Scholarship and Grant Safety Alert
Although this is a training and business support programme rather than a conventional scholarship, applicants should still be careful of scams.
Do not provide your BVN on an application form unless you have independently verified the request and its purpose.
Also avoid anyone who asks you to:
- Pay money to submit an application.
- Pay a shortlisting or processing fee.
- Pay to guarantee selection.
- Pay someone to "help" you win the grant.
- Provide your ATM PIN or card PIN.
- Share your OTP.
- Share your internet banking password or login details.
- Transfer money to an individual claiming to represent MTN Foundation.
MTN Foundation applications should be completed through the official application channels.
Conclusion
The MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training Programme Phase 8 is an opportunity for young female entrepreneurs to gain practical digital and business skills while improving their ability to manage and grow their businesses.
The 2026 Phase 8 programme will train 3,000 female microbusiness owners between the ages of 18 and 35 whose businesses are located in Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano or Gombe State.
Participants will undergo five weeks of blended training involving online modules, instructor-led sessions, entrepreneur masterclasses and a capstone project.
The top 100 participants will also have an opportunity to receive equipment grants of up to ₦1,000,000 each, from a total grant fund of ₦100 million.
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