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The MTN Foundation has opened applications for the 8th phase of its ICT and <a href="https://usglobalxpress.com/varun-beverages-to-buy-another-business-in-africa/” title=”Varun Beverages to buy another business in Africa”>Business Skills Training Programme, offering young Nigerian women running microbusinesses an opportunity to gain practical digital and business skills
The 2026 Phase 8 programme will train 3,000 female microbusiness owners from Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano and Gombe states
The five-week programme combines online learning, instructor-led sessions, business masterclasses and a capstone project. Participants will also receive data support during the training
The top 100 participants will be eligible to receive equipment grants of up to ₦1 million each, drawn from a total ₦100 million equipment grant fund
About the MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training
The ICT and Business Skills Training Programme is a youth-development initiative of the MTN Foundation designed to help young microbusiness owners build digital and business skills that can support the growth of their businesses
Since its launch in 2018, the programme has trained thousands of young Nigerian microbusiness owners through partnerships with organisations including Google, Oracle, KPMG, IBM, Digital Bridge Institute, Cisco, Meta and Microsoft. MTN Foundation says 15,362 young microbusiness owners have completed the programme across 29 states and the Federal Capital Territory
Phase 8 has a specific focus on female entrepreneurs in six states
What the Training Covers
The five-week programme will use a blended learning format comprising:
- Self-paced online learning modules
- Instructor-led training sessions
- Masterclasses led by experienced entrepreneurs
- A capstone project challenge
- Data support for participants
The programme is designed to help participants apply the skills they learn to their existing businesses
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training Phase 8, applicants must:
- Be a Nigerian woman
- Be between 18 and 35 years old
- Own and manage a microbusiness
- Have a business that has been operating for no more than two years
- Have a business located in Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano or Gombe State.
This means women whose businesses are located outside the six listed states are not eligible for Phase 8
What Participants Stand to Gain
Successful participants will receive access to five weeks of ICT and business skills training, including self-paced learning, instructor-led sessions and masterclasses
Participants will also receive data support during the programme
Beyond the training, the top 100 participants can receive equipment grants of up to ₦1 million each, from the ₦100 million equipment grant fund. The equipment grant is therefore not a guaranteed payment for every participant
MTN Foundation’s broader ICT and Business Skills programme has previously provided equipment support to programme participants. According to MTN Foundation, 1,100 recipients from previous phases have received equipment grants totalling ₦430 million
How to Apply
Interested entrepreneurs should visit the official MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training page and use the “Click here to apply” option to access the application form
Applicants should provide accurate personal and business information and ensure they meet all the eligibility requirements before submitting their applications
Application Deadline
Applications for the MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training Phase 8 close on October 11, 2026
Eligible women entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply before the deadline rather than wait until the final day
Key Details
Programme: MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training – Phase 8Target: 3,000 female microbusiness ownersAge: 18–35Location: Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano and GombeBusiness requirement: Microbusiness operating for no more than two yearsTraining duration: Five weeksEquipment grant: Up to ₦1 million for each of the top 100 participantsTotal equipment grant fund: ₦100 millionDeadline: October 11, 2026Application:MTN Foundation official application page
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