MTN ICT Business Skills Training 2026: How 3,000 Women Can Gain Digital Skills and Compete for ₦1 Million Grants

MTN ICT Business Skills Training 2026 targets 3,000 Nigerian women

The MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme 2026 has opened applications for its eighth phase, giving young Nigerian women running new microbusinesses an opportunity to receive five weeks of digital and business training, data support and a chance to compete for equipment grants worth up to ₦1 million.

The latest phase is more targeted than previous editions. MTN Foundation says 3,000 female microbusiness owners from Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano and Gombe states will be trained under the programme. Applications are scheduled to close on October 11, 2026.

The programme is designed to help entrepreneurs use technology and modern business practices to improve the way they operate, market products and compete in an increasingly digital economy.

MTN ICT Business Skills Training 2026 targets 3,000 women

The 2026 Phase 8 programme is specifically aimed at female microbusiness owners between the ages of 18 and 35.

Applicants must be Nigerian women who own and manage a microbusiness that has been operating for no more than two years. Their businesses must also be located in Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano or Gombe state.

This makes the opportunity particularly relevant to women who have already started businesses but need additional digital and management skills to move from informal operations towards more sustainable growth.

MTN Foundation says the wider ICT and Business Skills initiative has trained more than 15,000 young Nigerians since it began in 2018, with previous phases delivered across multiple states and in partnership with organisations including Google, Oracle, KPMG, IBM, Cisco, Meta and Microsoft.

What participants will learn during the five-week programme

Phase 8 will run for five weeks using a blended learning model.

Participants will combine self-paced online learning with instructor-led sessions, masterclasses from experienced entrepreneurs and a capstone project challenge.

The structure is intended to move beyond classroom-style training. Participants will be expected to apply what they learn to their businesses, giving them an opportunity to identify practical ways technology and better business processes can improve their operations.

MTN Foundation will also provide data support during the programme, helping participants access the online components without having to shoulder the full cost of connectivity.

Up to ₦1 million equipment grant available to top 100 participants

The financial support attached to the programme is one of its biggest attractions.

MTN Foundation says the top 100 participants in Phase 8 will receive equipment grants of up to ₦1 million each, drawn from a ₦100 million fund.

The grant is intended as equipment support rather than a general cash giveaway. This distinction matters for applicants considering the programme primarily because of the funding.

Participants first have to complete the training and perform strongly enough to rank among the top 100 before becoming eligible for the equipment grant.

The programme’s structure means the training itself is the central opportunity, while the equipment support provides an additional incentive for participants who demonstrate strong performance.

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Who can apply for the MTN ICT Business Skills Training?

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

Be a Nigerian woman.
Be between 18 and 35 years old.
Own and manage a microbusiness.
Have operated the business for no more than two years.
Have the business located in Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano or Gombe state.

The geographical requirement means applicants from other Nigerian states are not eligible for this particular Phase 8 intake, even though earlier editions of the broader programme covered a much wider part of the country.

Why the MTN training is different from a grant-only opportunity

The programme is structured around business capacity building rather than simply distributing funds.

MTN Foundation describes the initiative as a way of equipping young microbusiness owners with practical, technology-enabled and digital skills that can help their businesses remain competitive.

That approach is significant for entrepreneurs whose biggest challenge may not be access to money alone.

A business owner who learns how to improve digital marketing, customer engagement, business processes and technology adoption can potentially continue using those skills after the five-week programme ends.

MTN’s wider programme has previously produced measurable participation. The foundation reports that more than 15,000 young Nigerians have completed the ICT and Business Skills programme since its launch, while its current programme page says 1,100 recipients across previous phases have received equipment grants totalling ₦430 million.

MTN ICT Business Skills Training deadline is October 11, 2026

The deadline for Phase 8 applications is October 11, 2026.

Eligible applicants should avoid waiting until the closing date before submitting their applications. Applicants should also make sure the information supplied about their age, business and location is accurate and consistent.

The official MTN Foundation programme page contains the application option and the eligibility requirements.

How to apply for the MTN ICT Business Skills Training Programme 2026

Interested applicants should visit the official MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training page and follow the application instructions for Phase 8.

Applicants should confirm that they meet the female, age, business-age and state-location requirements before submitting their applications.

Those selected for the five-week programme will participate in the blended training, receive data support and take part in the activities used to assess participants for the equipment grant.

The programme is not simply an application for ₦1 million. The ₦100 million equipment fund is reserved for the top 100 participants, meaning applicants should view the training and performance requirements as a central part of the opportunity.

Frequently asked questions about MTN ICT Business Skills Training 2026

Who is eligible for the MTN ICT Business Skills Training 2026?

The Phase 8 programme is open to Nigerian women aged 18 to 35 who own and manage a microbusiness that has operated for no more than two years. The business must be located in Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano or Gombe state.

How much is the MTN ICT Business Skills grant?

The top 100 participants can receive up to ₦1 million each in equipment grants. The total equipment grant fund for Phase 8 is ₦100 million.

Is the MTN ICT Business Skills Training free?

MTN Foundation’s official programme information describes the initiative as a training and empowerment programme and does not list an application fee. Applicants should use the official MTN Foundation page rather than paying third parties to apply.

How long is the MTN ICT Business Skills Training?

Phase 8 will run for five weeks and combine online self-paced modules, instructor-led sessions, entrepreneur masterclasses and a capstone project challenge.

Which states are eligible for MTN ICT Business Skills Training 2026?

Phase 8 is for businesses located in Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano and Gombe states.

Can men apply for Phase 8?

No. The current Phase 8 intake is specifically for female Nigerian microbusiness owners aged 18 to 35.

When is the deadline for MTN ICT Business Skills Training 2026?

The application deadline is October 11, 2026.

How many people will MTN train in Phase 8?

MTN Foundation plans to train 3,000 female microbusiness owners during the eighth phase.

Do participants receive data?

Yes. MTN Foundation says participants will receive data support for the duration of the programme to help them take part in the online training.

Is everyone who completes the training guaranteed ₦1 million?

No. The equipment grants are reserved for the top 100 participants, with grants of up to ₦1 million each.