Application for Phase 8 of the MTN Foundation’s ICT and Business Skills Training Program has been officially opened. This five-week initiative is intended to provide young Nigerian women with practical, tech-driven, and digital skills that will enable their enterprises to thrive.
This phase is a female-only cohort that will provide training to 3,000 female microbusiness owners from six Nigerian states. The total equipment grant fund is ₦100 million.
Also see: DESOPADEC Bursary Portal 2026 | Apply for Delta State Oil Producing Areas Bursary
Quick Summary of MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training Phase 8 (2026)
| Company | Blue Wave New Energy Technology |
| Category | Jobs |
| Type | Full-Time |
| Programme | MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training (Phase 8) |
| Benefits | Grant: Top 100 participants receive up to ₦1,000,000 each |
| Duration: | 5 weeks (blended learning) |
| Application Deadline | October 11, 2026 |
About the Programme
The MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Program equips young Nigerian microbusiness owners between the ages of 18 and 35 with practical, tech-driven, and digital skills to enable their enterprises to thrive in today’s fast-paced economy.
In partnership with Google, Oracle, KPMG, IBM, Digital Bridge Institute, Cisco, Meta, and Microsoft, the initiative has successfully implemented seven phases in 29 states and the FCT since 2018.
These states include Abia, Adamawa, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Borno, Cross River, Edo, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Jigawa, Imo, Kaduna, Kano, Kastina, Kebbi, Kogi, Lagos, Niger, Nasarawa, Ondo, Oyo, Plateau, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe, and the Federal Capital Territory. The program has been successfully completed by 15,362 young microbusiness owners.
The training in Phase 8 will be conducted over a five-week period and will employ a blended-learning approach that includes self-paced online modules, instructor-led sessions, seminars from experienced entrepreneurs, and a capstone project challenge.
Data support will be provided to participants to guarantee a seamless learning experience as they implement new skills to their businesses.
From a ₦100,000,000 fund, the top 100 participants will receive equipment grants of up to ₦1,000,000. The program has made a tangible impact on a variety of sectors in previous segments, assisting microbusinesses in their efforts to expand and implement digital practices.
Phase 8 will provide training to 3,000 female microbusiness proprietors from the states of Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano, and Gombe.
The deadline for applications is October 11, 2026. Are you intrigued?
Training Structure and Delivery
In Phase 8, the training will run for five weeks using a blended-learning approach that combines the following components:
- Self-paced online modules – allowing participants to learn at their own pace
- Instructor-led sessions – guided training from facilitators
- Masterclasses from seasoned entrepreneurs – practical insights from experienced business leaders
- Capstone project challenge – a hands-on practical assignment
- Data support – participants will receive data to ensure a seamless learning experience
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered for Phase 8, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
| Requirement | Details |
| Gender | Nigerian female |
| Age | 18–35 years old |
| Business Ownership | Owns and manages a microbusiness |
| Business Age | Operational for no more than 2 years |
| Location | Business located in Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano, or Gombe State |
Applicants whose businesses are located outside the six listed states do not meet the location requirement for Phase 8
Benefits for Participants
Selected participants will receive:
- Five weeks of ICT and business skills training
- Access to self-paced online learning and instructor-led sessions
- Business masterclasses from experienced entrepreneurs
- Data support throughout the programme
- Exposure to digital tools for business growth
- A practical capstone project
- Opportunity to compete for an equipment grant
- Up to ₦1 million in equipment support for each of the top 100 participants
How to Apply
Eligible applicants should follow these steps:
- Visit the official application portal: https://mtnictandbusinessskills.mtn.ng/mtn-foundation or https://www.mtn.ng/mtnf-ict/
- Confirm your eligibility – ensure you meet all the criteria listed above
- Complete the application form – provide accurate personal and business information
- Review your information carefully – check all details before submitting
- Submit your application before the deadline of October 11, 2026
Important: Avoid paying anyone who promises to secure your place in the programme. The application is free.
Key Dates
| Event | Date |
| Applications Open | September 2026 |
| Application Deadline | October 11, 2026 |
| Training Duration | 5 weeks |
| Grant Notification | After training completion |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training Phase 8?
You must be a Nigerian female aged 18–35 who owns and manages a microbusiness that has been operational for no more than two years. Your business must be located in one of the following states: Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano, or Gombe.
Is the MTN Foundation ICT Training a grant?
Yes, but with an important qualification. The programme includes an equipment grant opportunity, but it is not a programme where every participant receives cash. Only the top 100 participants will receive equipment grants of up to ₦1,000,000 each, from a total ₦100 million fund. Receiving training does not guarantee a grant.
How long is the training programme?
The training runs for five weeks using a blended-learning approach that combines self-paced online modules, instructor-led sessions, masterclasses, and a capstone project.
What is the application deadline?
The application deadline for Phase 8 is October 11, 2026. Applications close on this date.
Do I need to pay to apply?
No. The application is completely free. Avoid anyone who asks for payment to secure your place in the programme
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