MTN Foundation is calling for Applications for the 2026 MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Phase 7 in youths in Nigeria.
The MTN ICT and Business Skills Training is a Youth Development initiative aimed at equipping young people between 18 and 35 years with tech-enabled skills to keep their small businesses relevant and competitive.
The training will be delivered through a 5-week blended learning, featuring self-paced and instructor-led online sessions, including masterclasses from industry experts.
Participants will be supported with data to ensure a seamless learning experience. The top 600 participants will be supported with an Equipment Grant worth N300,000,000!
Since 2018, six phases of the ICT and Business Skills Training have been successfully implemented across 22 states in collaboration with our ecosystem partners: Google, Oracle, KPMG, IBM, Digital Bridge Institute, CISCO, Meta, and Microsoft.
These states are Oyo, Kano, Nasarawa, Imo, Rivers, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Borno, Kaduna, Katsina, Adamawa, Anambra, Cross River, Jigawa, Kogi, Lagos, Edo, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Kebbi, Yobe and Niger. 9,382 young micro business owners have completed this programme, gaining valuable skills to grow their businesses.
In this 7th phase, 6,000 micro business owners will participate in the ICT and Business Skills Training programme.
In today’s fast-changing world, digital skills and business knowledge are no longer optional—they are essential. Across Nigeria, young people, graduates, artisans, entrepreneurs, and job seekers are searching for practical opportunities that can help them stay relevant, competitive, and economically independent. This is where the MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training 2026 comes in.
Designed as a high-impact capacity-building initiative, the MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training Programme 2026 is more than just a training course. It is a powerful empowerment platform aimed at equipping Nigerians with in-demand ICT competencies and practical business skills needed to thrive in the digital economy, start sustainable businesses, or secure better employment opportunities.
If you are serious about building your future, this programme deserves your full attention.
What is the MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training?
The MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training is a social investment initiative by the MTN Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of MTN Nigeria. The programme focuses on bridging the digital skills gap by providing free, high-quality training in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and essential business skills.
For the 2026 edition, the programme is expected to continue its mission of empowering thousands of Nigerians with practical knowledge that aligns with global digital trends and local business realities. Participants gain hands-on exposure, real-world insights, and market-relevant skills that can immediately be applied to work, entrepreneurship, or further learning.
Why the MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training Matters in 2026
Nigeria’s workforce is evolving rapidly. Employers now prioritize candidates with digital literacy, problem-solving abilities, and entrepreneurial thinking. At the same time, many young people and small business owners struggle to access affordable, quality training.
The MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training 2026 directly addresses this challenge by:
- Providing free access to valuable ICT and business education
- Supporting youth empowerment and job creation
- Encouraging entrepreneurship and self-reliance
- Preparing participants for remote work, freelancing, and digital careers
- Strengthening Nigeria’s digital economy and innovation ecosystem
This programme is especially important for individuals who may not have the financial capacity to enroll in expensive tech or business courses but are eager to learn and grow.
Key Areas Covered in the Training Programme
While specific course modules may vary, the MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training typically focuses on high-demand areas such as:
1. ICT and Digital Skills
Participants are introduced to essential and emerging ICT skills, which may include:
- Basic and advanced computer literacy
- Digital productivity tools
- Internet and online safety
- Introduction to coding and software tools
- Data and digital communication skills
- Understanding digital platforms and technologies
These skills are foundational for both corporate roles and independent digital careers.
2. Business and Entrepreneurial Skills
The business component equips participants with practical knowledge to start, manage, and grow sustainable ventures. Key focus areas often include:
- Business idea development and validation
- Financial literacy and basic accounting
- Marketing and customer engagement
- Digital marketing and online branding
- Business planning and strategy
- Problem-solving and innovation
This combination of ICT and business training ensures participants are not just skilled but also business-minded.
Eligibility Requirements for MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training 2026
One of the most attractive aspects of this programme is its inclusive eligibility criteria. The MTN Foundation aims to reach as many Nigerians as possible, especially those who can benefit most from skills development.
Although official guidelines for 2026 will be released during the application period, applicants are generally expected to meet the following requirements:
- Must be a Nigerian citizen
- Must be interested in acquiring ICT and/or business skills
- Open to youths, young adults, graduates, job seekers, entrepreneurs, and artisans
- Basic literacy and willingness to learn
- Access to a mobile device or computer and internet connectivity (for online components)
- Commitment to complete the training programme
No advanced technical background is usually required, making this programme suitable for beginners as well as those seeking to improve existing skills.
Who Should Apply?
The MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training 2026 is ideal for:
- Students and recent graduates looking to boost employability
- Unemployed youths seeking practical, job-ready skills
- Small business owners and entrepreneurs who want to digitize their businesses
- Artisans and traders aiming to expand their customer reach through technology
- Professionals looking to upskill or transition into digital roles
If you are motivated, curious, and ready to invest time in your personal development, this programme is for you.
Benefits of Participating in the Programme
By joining the MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training 2026, participants stand to gain:
- Free, high-quality training from a reputable foundation
- Practical skills aligned with current market demands
- Improved chances of employment or self-employment
- Enhanced confidence in using digital tools and business strategies
- Opportunity to become part of a growing network of empowered Nigerians
- A stepping stone to advanced learning and career opportunities
For many past participants, this programme has been a turning point—opening doors to new jobs, business growth, and digital careers.
Why You Should Apply Now
Opportunities like this do not come often. The MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training 2026 is not just about learning; it is about transformation. In a competitive economy, skills are your strongest currency. The earlier you invest in yourself, the better prepared you are for future opportunities.
Applying for this programme means choosing growth, empowerment, and long-term relevance in a digital world. It is a chance to learn from structured content, gain practical exposure, and position yourself ahead of the curve—all at no financial cost.
How to Apply
If you meet the eligibility requirements and have the desire to learn, do not hesitate. Take advantage of this life-changing initiative, apply when applications open, and begin your journey toward a smarter, more sustainable future.
Apply Here: https://www.mtn.ng/mtnf-ict/
