Mastercard Foundation Tech4Dev 2026: Nigerian Women Can Get Free Tech Training and Job Support

Young Nigerian women in Lagos can apply for the 2026 Mastercard Foundation TTS Nigeria Programme, an opportunity offering free professional technology training, mentorship and pathways to tech-enabled employment.

The programme, delivered in partnership with Tech4Dev and the Mastercard Foundation, is targeted at women between 18 and 35 years old who want to develop digital and workplace skills for professional careers.

Unlike opportunities that require participants to pay tuition or training fees, the programme is presented as a free training opportunity, with selected participants also receiving support aimed at helping them transition into employment.

Who can apply for the Mastercard Foundation Tech4Dev programme?

The 2026 TTS Nigeria Programme is open to Nigerian women aged 18 to 35 who live in Lagos State.

Applicants are expected to have an interest in developing a professional career and building technology or digital skills.

They should also be willing to complete the required training and develop the workplace capabilities needed for employment.

The programme is not restricted only to women who already have advanced technology experience.

Women from rural and semi-urban communities, women living with disabilities, internally displaced women and nursing mothers are encouraged to apply.

What does the Mastercard Tech4Dev programme offer?

Successful participants can receive several benefits at no cost.

The programme offers:

• Free application
• Free professional technology training
• Mentorship and career development support
• Tech-enabled job placement opportunities
• Industry-relevant digital and workplace skills

The wider Tech4Dev programme focuses on building digital skills and connecting participants with opportunities in the technology-driven economy. Tech4Dev says its programmes are designed to equip people with digital and technology skills while creating pathways to employment and entrepreneurship.

Which courses are available?

The 2026 programme lists several training pathways for applicants to choose from.

They include:

Executive Administrative Assistant with Social Media Expertise

This track is designed for participants interested in administrative support combined with social media skills.

Full Stack Developer with QA and Testing

Participants interested in software development can pursue training covering full-stack development alongside quality assurance and testing.

Tier 2 SOC Analyst

This pathway is focused on cybersecurity and security operations, particularly for people interested in monitoring and responding to security threats.

Virtual Assistant with Lead Generation Expertise

The programme also offers a virtual-assistance track incorporating lead-generation skills that can be applied in remote work environments.

Virtual Executive Administrative Assistant

Participants can develop skills for providing administrative support remotely.

Executive Administrative Assistant with IT Experience

This pathway combines administrative responsibilities with technology-related workplace skills.

Executive Assistant and Strategic Support

Applicants interested in executive-level administrative and strategic support can choose this programme.

Cybersecurity

The cybersecurity pathway is aimed at participants seeking skills in one of the growing areas of the digital economy.

Data and AI

Applicants can also pursue training related to data and artificial intelligence.

Software Engineer

The programme includes a software engineering pathway for women interested in developing technical programming skills.

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Is the Mastercard Foundation Tech4Dev programme free?

Yes. The programme information states that the application and training are free for eligible participants.

Applicants should be cautious about anyone claiming to represent the programme and requesting payment to secure a place.

The Mastercard Foundation separately warns that it does not request payments from individuals for its programmes and advises people to be vigilant about fraudulent recruitment or scholarship claims.

Where is the programme available?

The 2026 TTS Nigeria Programme described in the application information is aimed at women in Lagos State.

Lagos is also an important location for Tech4Dev’s wider work. The organisation lists its headquarters in Ogudu GRA, Lagos, and operates programmes designed to expand access to digital skills and employment opportunities.

The Mastercard Foundation also identifies Nigeria as one of its major programme countries, with its Nigeria office located in Lagos.

How to apply for the Mastercard Foundation Tech4Dev 2026 programme

Interested applicants can submit their applications through the programme’s online application form.

Applicants should provide accurate personal information and select the training pathway that best matches their interests and career goals.

The programme listing does not specify a closing date, so prospective applicants should avoid waiting until the last minute to apply.

Because the opportunity is designed around employability, applicants should also be prepared to complete the required training rather than treating the programme simply as a one-time scholarship award.

Why the opportunity matters for Nigerian women

Digital skills are increasingly linked to employment opportunities across technology, business services, administration, cybersecurity, marketing and other sectors.

Tech4Dev says its Women Techsters programme, one of its major initiatives, is designed to help girls and women build sustainable careers through technology, with training, mentorship, job matching and business support.

The TTS Nigeria opportunity therefore gives eligible women an opportunity to combine skills development with career preparation rather than simply receiving classroom training.

For women looking to enter technology or strengthen their digital skills without taking on the cost of private training, the programme could provide a useful starting point.

 

Frequently asked questions

Who can apply for the Mastercard Foundation Tech4Dev 2026 programme?

Nigerian women aged 18 to 35 in Lagos State who are interested in building professional and technology-related skills can apply.

Is the Mastercard Foundation Tech4Dev training free?

Yes. The programme is advertised as offering free application and free technology training.

Do I need previous tech experience?

The programme information does not state that applicants must have advanced technology experience. Applicants need an interest in developing tech and professional skills and must be willing to complete the required training.

What courses are available?

Training options include cybersecurity, data and AI, software engineering, full-stack development, virtual assistance, executive assistance, social media-related administrative support and Tier 2 SOC analysis.

Can women with disabilities apply?

Yes. Women living with disabilities are specifically encouraged to apply.

Can nursing mothers apply?

Yes. Nursing mothers are among the groups specifically encouraged to apply.

Is there an application deadline?

The programme listing does not specify a deadline.

Does the programme provide jobs?

The programme offers tech-enabled job placement opportunities and career support. Job placement should not be interpreted as an automatic guaranteed job for every participant.

Is the programme only for women in Lagos?

The 2026 TTS Nigeria opportunity described here is targeted at women aged 18 to 35 in Lagos State.

Do I need IELTS to apply?

No IELTS requirement is listed for the programme.

How do I apply for the Tech4Dev Mastercard Foundation programme?

Eligible applicants can apply through the online application form provided for the 2026 TTS Nigeria Programme.