MTN Foundation Targets 3,000 Young Female Entrepreneurs As It Expands ICT And Business Skills Programme

MTN Foundation has launched Phase 8 of its ICT and Business Skills Training Programme with its first female-only cohort, targeting young female micro-business owners aged 18 to 35 across Abia, Kwara, Gombe, Rivers, Ogun, and Kano States.

This phase marks the first time the programme is dedicated entirely to empowering women entrepreneurs.

The female-only cohort is designed to give young women entrepreneurs more targeted support as they build and grow their businesses.

Over five weeks, participants will receive digital and business skills training through self-paced learning, instructor-led sessions, masterclasses and practical assignments.

They will also retain access to the MTN Skills Academy after the programme.

The programme provides ₦100 million in equipment grants for 100 top-performing participants.

Each recipient receives ₦1 million to support equipment needs within her business. Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director, MTN Foundation, said the initiative is designed to give young women practical support beyond training.

“Skills are important, but skills alone are not enough. We want these women to leave with the knowledge, tools and confidence to build businesses that last,” she said.

Sanya added that the female-only cohort reflects the Foundation’s focus on expanding economic opportunities for young women.

“When we equip women to grow their businesses, we strengthen families, communities and the wider economy,” she said.

The programme also includes expert-led masterclasses, mentorship, networking and capstone projects that allow participants to apply their learning to real business challenges.

Phase 8 builds on seven previous phases of the ICT and Business Skills Training Programme, which has trained 15,362 micro-business owners across 29 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

A total of 1,100 participants have received equipment grants since the programme began.

Through the latest phase, MTN Foundation is extending its investment in digital skills, entrepreneurship and youth empowerment to more young women across Nigeria.