MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme 2026
The MTN Foundation has opened applications for Phase 8 of the MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme, a five-week capacity-building programme designed to equip young Nigerian female microbusiness owners with practical ICT, digital and business skills to help them grow and compete in today’s digital economy.
The 2026 Phase 8 programme will train 3,000 female microbusiness owners from Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano and Gombe States. Participants will also receive data support, while the top 100 participants can receive equipment grants of up to ₦1,000,000 each from a total ₦100 million equipment grant fund.
Important: This is primarily a training and business empowerment programme, not a conventional scholarship. The ₦1 million support is an equipment grant reserved for the top 100 participants after the training.
MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme 2026 Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme – Phase 8 |
| Organiser | MTN Foundation |
| Duration | 5 weeks |
| Format | Blended learning |
| Participants | 3,000 female microbusiness owners |
| Eligible States | Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano & Gombe |
| Age | 18–35 years |
| Gender | Female |
| Business requirement | Microbusiness operating for no more than 2 years |
| Application fee | Free |
| Equipment Grant | Up to ₦1,000,000 for each of the top 100 participants |
| Total Grant Fund | ₦100,000,000 |
| Deadline | October 11, 2026 |
The programme is officially listed by MTN Foundation, with applications closing on October 11, 2026.
About the MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme
The MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme was created to empower young entrepreneurs with modern, technology-enabled business skills that can help them operate and grow their businesses in an increasingly digital economy.
Since the programme began in 2018, MTN says it has run seven phases in collaboration with major organisations including Google, Oracle, KPMG, IBM, Digital Bridge Institute, Cisco, Meta and Microsoft. The programme has reached 29 states and the Federal Capital Territory, with 15,362 young microbusiness owners completing the programme.
The broader initiative has also produced significant grant support. MTN’s programme information states that 1,100 recipients have received equipment grants totalling ₦430 million across previous phases.
What Will Phase 8 Participants Receive?
Selected participants will take part in a five-week blended training programme designed to combine learning with practical application.
1. Self-Paced Online Learning
Participants will complete online modules that allow them to learn at their own pace and develop practical digital and business skills.
2. Instructor-Led Sessions
The programme will also include instructor-led learning sessions where participants can receive structured guidance and engage more directly with the training.
3. Entrepreneur Masterclasses
Participants will have access to masterclasses from seasoned entrepreneurs, giving them exposure to practical business experience and insights.
4. Capstone Project Challenge
The programme includes a capstone project challenge, allowing participants to apply what they learn during the training to practical business situations.
5. Data Support
Participants will receive data support to help ensure they can participate effectively in the online components of the programme.
₦100 Million Equipment Grant Opportunity
One of the major benefits attached to Phase 8 is the opportunity to compete for equipment grants.
The top 100 participants will receive up to ₦1,000,000 each in equipment grants from a total fund of ₦100 million.
The grant is intended to provide equipment support that can help successful participants strengthen their businesses through improved tools and technology.
Important: The ₦1 Million Is Not Guaranteed
Applicants should understand that applying for the training does not mean everyone will receive ₦1 million.
MTN Foundation plans to select the top 100 participants for the equipment grants. Therefore, participants must first go through the five-week programme and perform strongly enough to qualify for the grant opportunity.
The training itself is therefore the core opportunity, while the equipment grant is an additional benefit for the highest-performing participants.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for Phase 8, applicants must meet the following requirements:
1. Must Be a Nigerian Woman
The programme is specifically designed for female Nigerian microbusiness owners.
2. Age Requirement
Applicants must be between 18 and 35 years old.
3. Must Own and Manage a Microbusiness
Applicants must own and manage a microbusiness.
4. Business Must Be No More Than Two Years Old
The business must have been operational for no more than two years at the time of application.
5. Business Location
The applicant’s business must be located in one of the following states:
- Rivers State
- Abia State
- Ogun State
- Kwara State
- Kano State
- Gombe State
Only businesses located in these six states are eligible for the current Phase 8 intake.
How the Five-Week Training Works
Phase 8 uses a blended-learning model rather than relying exclusively on online or classroom training.
Participants will combine:
- Self-paced online modules
- Instructor-led sessions
- Masterclasses from experienced entrepreneurs
- A capstone project challenge
- Practical application of newly acquired skills
MTN Foundation will also provide data support to facilitate participation in the online aspects of the programme.
The objective is not simply to teach participants theoretical concepts. The programme is designed to help business owners apply technology, digital tools and improved business practices to their existing businesses.
Why This Opportunity Matters for Small Business Owners
The programme focuses on capacity building, rather than simply giving participants financial assistance.
For a business owner, learning how to use technology effectively, improve business processes, understand digital opportunities and make better business decisions can continue to provide value even after the five-week programme ends.
The equipment grant provides an additional opportunity for high-performing participants to strengthen their businesses with better equipment and technology.
Is the MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Free?
Yes. The opportunity is listed with no application fee.
Applicants should be careful of anyone asking them to pay money to apply for the MTN Foundation programme. Applications should be completed through the official MTN Foundation application channel.
How Many People Will Be Selected?
MTN Foundation plans to train 3,000 female microbusiness owners during Phase 8.
The participants will come specifically from Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano and Gombe States.
From the participants, the top 100 will be eligible for equipment grants of up to ₦1 million each.
Can Men Apply?
No.
Phase 8 is specifically targeted at female Nigerian microbusiness owners aged 18–35.
Can Applicants From Other Nigerian States Apply?
For this particular Phase 8 intake, no.
Although previous phases of the wider MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme covered many states across Nigeria, the current Phase 8 programme is specifically for businesses located in:
Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano and Gombe States.
Application Deadline
October 11, 2026
All eligible applicants should complete their applications before the deadline.
How to Apply for the MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme
Interested applicants should visit the official MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training page and follow the Phase 8 application instructions.
Before applying, make sure you meet all of the key requirements:
- You are a Nigerian woman.
- You are 18–35 years old.
- You own and manage a microbusiness.
- Your business has operated for no more than two years.
- Your business is located in Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano or Gombe State.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme?
It is an MTN Foundation initiative that provides young Nigerian microbusiness owners with practical ICT, digital and business skills to help them grow their businesses.
How much is the MTN Foundation grant?
The top 100 participants can receive up to ₦1,000,000 each in equipment grants. The total Phase 8 equipment grant fund is ₦100 million.
Is everyone guaranteed ₦1 million?
No. Only the top 100 participants will receive the equipment grants.
How long is the training?
The Phase 8 training lasts five weeks.
Which states are eligible?
Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano and Gombe.
Who is eligible?
Nigerian women aged 18–35 who own and manage a microbusiness that has operated for no more than two years, with the business located in one of the six eligible states.
When is the deadline?
October 11, 2026.
Will participants receive data?
Yes. Participants will receive data support to facilitate their participation in the programme.
Conclusion
The MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme Phase 8 is more than a grant application. It is a five-week business and digital skills programme designed to help young female entrepreneurs build stronger, more technology-enabled businesses.
With 3,000 places, data support, practical training, entrepreneur masterclasses and a chance to compete for up to ₦1 million in equipment support, it is a strong opportunity for eligible women running relatively new businesses in the six participating states.
Application deadline: October 11, 2026.
