The MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme (Phase 8) is now open for applications, offering young Nigerian women the opportunity to acquire practical digital, technology and business skills that can help them start, strengthen and grow their businesses.
The five-week programme is designed specifically for young female microbusiness owners aged 18 to 35 whose businesses have been operating for no more than two years.
Phase 8 will train 3,000 female microbusiness owners from Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano and Gombe States.
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In addition to the training, participants will have the opportunity to compete for a share of a ₦100 million equipment grant fund, with the top 100 participants eligible to receive equipment grants of up to ₦1 million each.
What Is the MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme?
The MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training Programme is a capacity-building initiative designed to help young microbusiness owners develop the digital and business skills needed to operate more effectively in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
The programme has been running since 2018 and has delivered seven previous phases in collaboration with major technology, professional services and training organisations, including Google, Oracle, KPMG, IBM, Digital Bridge Institute, Cisco, Meta and Microsoft.
According to the programme information, more than 15,000 young microbusiness owners have completed the initiative across participating states in Nigeria.
Phase 8 continues this effort, with a particular focus on young female entrepreneurs in six selected states.
MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Phase 8 Details
- Organiser: MTN Foundation
- Programme: ICT and Business Skills Training Programme – Phase 8
- Duration: 5 weeks
- Training Format: Blended learning
- Number of Participants: 3,000 female microbusiness owners
- Eligible States: Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano and Gombe
- Age Requirement: 18–35 years
- Application Fee: Free
- Application Deadline: October 11, 2026
Who Can Apply?
The Phase 8 programme has specific eligibility requirements. Applicants must:
- Be a Nigerian female aged 18 to 35 years
- Own and manage a microbusiness
- Have a business that has operated for no more than two years
- Have their business located in Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano or Gombe State
Applicants should carefully confirm that their business and personal details meet the stated requirements before submitting an application.
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What Will Participants Learn?
The programme is focused on practical skills that can be applied directly to the day-to-day operation and growth of a small business.
Participants will receive training in areas relating to:
- ICT and digital skills
- Business development
- Technology adoption
- Digital business practices
- Entrepreneurship and business growth
The training is intended to help participants understand how technology and digital tools can be used to improve the way their businesses operate and reach customers.
How the Five-Week Training Works
Phase 8 will use a blended-learning approach, allowing participants to learn through different formats.
1. Self-Paced Online Learning
Participants will have access to online learning modules that they can complete at their own pace.
This allows learners to develop their knowledge outside instructor-led sessions while progressing through the programme requirements.
2. Instructor-Led Sessions
The programme will also include instructor-led learning sessions where participants can receive structured guidance and interact with facilitators.
3. Entrepreneur Masterclasses
Participants will have access to masterclasses led by experienced entrepreneurs.
These sessions are designed to provide practical insights into entrepreneurship, business development and the realities of running and growing a microbusiness.
Capstone Project Challenge
Participants will also work on a capstone project challenge as part of the programme.
The project provides an opportunity to apply knowledge gained during the training to a practical business-related challenge.
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Data Support for Participants
Participants will receive data support during the programme to help facilitate access to the online learning components.
This is particularly important because a significant portion of the programme will involve digital and online learning activities.
₦100 Million Equipment Grant Opportunity
One of the major opportunities associated with Phase 8 is the equipment grant component.
A total of ₦100 million has been allocated for equipment grants, with the top 100 participants eligible to receive grants of up to ₦1 million each.
The equipment support is intended to help successful participants strengthen their businesses by improving access to relevant equipment and technology.
However, applicants should understand that participation in the training does not automatically guarantee an equipment grant. The grant opportunity is tied to the programme’s performance and selection process for the top participants.
Why This Programme Matters for Young Business Owners
Running a small business requires more than having a good product or service. Entrepreneurs increasingly need to understand digital marketing, technology, customer engagement, business management and other tools that can improve efficiency and competitiveness.
The MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme provides participants with an opportunity to develop these skills while learning from experienced professionals and entrepreneurs.
For eligible women whose businesses are still within their first two years of operation, the programme can provide useful knowledge, exposure and an opportunity to compete for additional equipment support.
States Eligible for Phase 8
Phase 8 is specifically targeted at female microbusiness owners whose businesses are located in the following states:
- Rivers State
- Abia State
- Ogun State
- Kwara State
- Kano State
- Gombe State
Applicants from other states should note that the Phase 8 eligibility information provided by MTN Foundation specifically identifies these six states.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme Phase 8 is October 11, 2026.
Eligible applicants are encouraged to complete their applications before the deadline rather than waiting until the final day.
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How to Apply for MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme Phase 8
The application is free. Interested and qualified female microbusiness owners should visit the official MTN Foundation programme page, follow the application instructions and apply online.
Applicants should provide accurate information about themselves and their businesses and ensure that they meet all eligibility requirements before submitting the application.
This opportunity is specifically designed for Nigerian women aged 18–35 who own and manage microbusinesses that have operated for no more than two years and are located in one of the six eligible states.
The training is free, and eligible participants will receive data support as part of the programme. The ₦100 million equipment grant is a competitive opportunity for the top 100 participants and should not be interpreted as an automatic payment to every trainee.
If you meet the requirements, this is an opportunity to gain practical digital and business skills, learn from experienced entrepreneurs and compete for equipment support that could help take your business to the next level.
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.
