Co-creation HUB (CcHUB) x Mastercard Foundation GATEWAY Program 2026 is open. The GATEWAY Program, a five-year initiative designed to help young Nigerians build careers and earn income through the global gig economy, is now open for registration.
Implemented by Co-creation HUB (CcHUB) in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, the programme goes beyond conventional digital skills training. Participants can receive skills development, access to work tools, mentorship, gig-work opportunities, financial support services and post-programme career assistance.
For young Nigerians who want to work remotely, build a freelance career or earn from international clients, GATEWAY offers a structured pathway from learning a marketable skill to finding opportunities to use that skill commercially.
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What Is the GATEWAY Program?
GATEWAY means Gigwork Accelerator for Talent Empowerment and Workforce Advancement for Youth.
It is a national five-year initiative created to connect young people with opportunities in the growing digital gig economy. The programme aims to support between 340,000 and 400,000 young Nigerians by 2031, with the broader goal of helping participants secure gig work within six months of completing the programme.
Rather than simply issuing certificates, the initiative is designed to address some of the practical barriers that prevent young people from succeeding in online work, including limited access to devices, software, internet connectivity, mentorship and professional networks.
Who Is the GATEWAY Program For?
The programme targets young Nigerians between 18 and 35 years old who live in one of the selected locations.
The programme currently covers:
- Abuja (FCT)
- Lagos
- Ogun
- Oyo
- Rivers
- Delta
- Edo
- Enugu
- Kaduna
- Kano
GATEWAY also places particular emphasis on groups that often experience greater barriers to employment, including young women, persons with disabilities and displaced young people.
The programme is targeting at least 70% participation by young women, making it a significant opportunity for women looking to develop digital skills and access income opportunities.
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Two Learning Pathways Are Available
One of the notable features of GATEWAY is that applicants are not expected to have the same level of experience.
The programme has two pathways designed around participants’ existing skills.
1. Foundations Pathway
This pathway is intended for beginners who need to develop foundational digital and creative skills before entering the gig economy.
It is suitable if you are starting from scratch or have limited practical experience in the selected skill areas.
The pathway typically takes approximately three to six months, depending on the learning process and milestones.
2. Growth Pathway
The Growth Pathway is designed for people who already have digital or creative skills through formal education, vocational training or self-learning, but are underemployed or struggling to secure consistent gig opportunities.
This pathway is considerably shorter and can typically be completed within six weeks to two months.
The goal is to help participants strengthen their existing abilities and move closer to securing sustainable gig-work opportunities.
What Skills Will You Learn?
GATEWAY focuses on four creative digital skills that are considered relevant to the growing freelance and gig economy.
Digital Marketing
Participants can develop skills for helping businesses promote their products and services online, reach customers and grow their digital presence.
Graphic Design
This covers the creative skills needed to produce visual content for businesses, brands, organisations and digital platforms.
UI/UX Design
Participants can develop skills related to designing digital interfaces and improving users’ experiences when interacting with websites, applications and other digital products.
Video Production and Editing
This focuses on producing and editing video content for businesses, brands, creators and other digital clients.
These four areas were selected based on demand trends identified across global gig platforms, giving participants skills that can potentially be applied to both local and international opportunities.
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What Does the GATEWAY Program Offer?
A major difference between GATEWAY and many free training programmes is that the initiative is designed to address several stages of the journey from learning a skill to finding work and sustaining a gig career.
Access to Gig and Earning Opportunities
Participants can receive support connecting with local and international gig platforms, including guidance on platform onboarding and assistance with accessing work opportunities.
This is important because knowing a digital skill does not automatically translate into income. Participants also need to understand how to present their skills, find clients and navigate freelance platforms.
Learning Tool Vouchers
Eligible participants can receive access to computers, software and internet connectivity at participating hubs.
This support can be available for up to six months, depending on participants’ progress and completion of specified learning milestones.
Work Tools Credit
Participants may also have access to financing for essential work equipment such as:
- Laptops
- Internet dongles
- Software
The programme information indicates that these are structured as competitive microloans, with single-digit interest rates, no collateral requirement, longer payment moratoriums and flexible repayment arrangements based on earning capacity.
This can help skilled participants overcome one of the biggest barriers to remote work—the inability to afford the tools required to deliver professional services.
Mentorship and Coaching
Participants can receive guidance from experienced gig workers within their chosen fields.
Support may include:
- One-on-one or structured coaching.
- Expert webinars.
- Mentorship.
- Peer learning groups.
- Practical career guidance.
Financial Services Support
GATEWAY also aims to help participants build greater financial resilience as gig workers.
Support may include access to:
- Pension schemes designed for gig workers.
- Micro-insurance products.
- Health and device protection options.
- Savings plans.
- Financial wellness tools.
Certification and Career Profile Development
Participants who complete the programme can receive a GATEWAY Certificate of Completion.
They can also receive support with:
- Portfolio development.
- Professional profile building.
- Preparing for gig platforms.
- Positioning their skills for potential clients.
Post-Programme Support
Support does not necessarily end when the training is completed.
Participants who secure gig work can receive up to 12 months of ongoing career development support, including continued access to mentorship and the programme’s community.
Participants can also become part of the GATEWAY alumni network.
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Who Is Eligible to Apply?
To register for the GATEWAY Program, applicants should meet the basic eligibility conditions.
You must:
- Be 18–35 years old at the time of registration.
- Currently live in one of the 10 target states/FCT locations.
- Have a valid National Identification Number (NIN).
- Be motivated to learn and participate in the digital gig economy.
The programme is free, so eligible applicants should be cautious of anyone asking for payment to register or promising guaranteed selection.
Application Deadline
No specific application deadline. Registration is currently stated to be open, so eligible applicants are advised to visit the official portal and register as early as possible.
How to Apply for the Co-creation HUB (CcHUB) x Mastercard Foundation GATEWAY Program 2026
Registration is conducted online through the official GATEWAY platform. Before registering, ensure that you are within the required age range, currently live in one of the participating locations and have a valid NIN.
Go directly to the Co-creation HUB (CcHUB) x Mastercard Foundation GATEWAY programme’s official website and select the registration/application option on the official platform and provide the information requested. Make sure your personal details are accurate and correspond with your official records.
Since a valid NIN is listed as an eligibility requirement, ensure that you have your correct identification information available when completing the registration.
Consider your current skill level before choosing or proceeding with a pathway. If you are new to the relevant digital skills, the Foundations Pathway may be more appropriate. If you already have relevant skills but need support transitioning into consistent gig work, the Growth Pathway may be more suitable.
Review your information carefully before submitting the registration. After submission, follow any additional instructions communicated through the official GATEWAY platform or the contact information you provide.
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Is the GATEWAY Program Free?
Yes. Registration for the GATEWAY Program is free.
Applicants should not pay an individual or unofficial agent to register on their behalf or to guarantee acceptance into the programme.
Use the official Co-creation HUB (CcHUB) x Mastercard Foundation GATEWAY Program 2026 website and be careful with links shared through unofficial WhatsApp groups, social media pages or individuals claiming to represent the programme.
You can also visit Dailylight Channel Graduate Jobs Section, Internship Program, Recruitment Exercises, and Job and Career Opportunity Desk Section to explore and discover opportunities you are qualified to apply for.
