The
MTN Foundation's ICT and Business Skills Training programme has become a beacon
of opportunity for young Nigerian entrepreneurs between 18 and 35 with digital
skills to keep their small businesses relevant and competitive in the
tech-driven economy. The Phase 6 training will focus on Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti,
Kebbi, Niger, and Yobe states, and it will be delivered through a 5-week online
programme that includes Masterclasses from key industry experts. 3000 young
entrepreneurs will participate in the skills acquisition, to be implemented in
partnership with Microsoft and Meta. It promises to be as enlightening as:
- Microsoft will train participants on Entrepreneurship in the Digital Age, ICT for Business Success and their new Generative AI skills.
- Meta will train participants on Skills to Build Brands and Grow Businesses Online through their Meta Boost for Small Business.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Since
2018, five phases of the MTN’s ICT and Business Skills Training have been
implemented in 16 states: Abia, Adamawa, Akwa-Ibom, Anambra, Borno, Cross
River, Imo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kogi, Lagos, Nasarawa, Oyo, and
Rivers. So far, 4,036 young Nigerians have benefited from the initiative,
gaining the knowledge and confidence to navigate the digital landscape.
Partnering with industry leaders like Oracle, KPMG, IBM, and Google, the
programme provided a well-rounded curriculum that addressed critical business
and technological needs.
Phase 6: Equipping for the Future
No
doubt, previous phases of the programme had already seen impressive results.
Building on this success, Phase 6 offered a five-week online training delivered
in partnership with Microsoft and Meta. This phase specifically targeted young
entrepreneurs aged 18–35, offering a curriculum focused on:
- Entrepreneurship in the Digital Age: Participants gained insights into launching and running successful online ventures.
- ICT for Business Success: This module equipped them with the technical skills to leverage technology for business growth.
- Generative AI Skills: Understanding the potential of cutting-edge AI tools was a key component.
- Skills to Build Brands and Grow Businesses Online: Meta's expertise helped participants develop effective online marketing strategies using Meta Boost for Small Businesses.
Beyond Training: Empowering Action
The
programme went beyond theoretical knowledge. Participants received data for the
training duration, ensuring seamless online learning. The real showstopper,
however, was the equipment grant of N90,000,000 awarded to the top 300
participants. This invaluable financial support allowed them to translate their
newfound skills into tangible action by investing in essential equipment for
their businesses.
Looking Ahead: A Brighter Future for Nigerian Young Businesses
The
MTN Foundation's ICT and Business Skills Training programme is a powerful
example of how targeted initiatives can empower young Nigerians. By equipping
them with the tools and knowledge they need, the programme is not only
nurturing individual success stories but also fostering a more vibrant and
digitally-driven Nigerian business landscape. As we eagerly await news of
future phases, the achievements of Phase 6 stand as a testament to the
program's enduring impact.
Interested?
CLICK HERE TO APPLY
See below for eligibility criteria
Age: Nigerian male or female, 18 – 35 years old
Business: Own and manage a small business that has been in operation for no longer than 2 years
Location: Own and manage a small business located in one of the following states: Ebonyi, Edo, Ekiti, Kebbi, Niger, Yobe State.
- MTN: 150 Women. ₦3 Million Each. Infinite Possibilities
- NDDC HOPE Project for Youth Empowerment in the Niger Delta
- The 12 Best Tech Careers for 2024: All You Need To Know [Part 1] and [Part 2]
- Apply for NITDA, Coursera and Google Scholarships: Cohort 3
- IDEAS Emerging Technology Skills Scholarship Programme
Who can participate in the programme?
The programme is targeted at young Nigerian entrepreneurs between the ages of 18 and 35 years old. Specific eligibility criteria for each phase may vary depending on location or focus.
Is the programme free?
Yes, the MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme is entirely free for participants. This includes the online training modules, data for the programme duration, and (for some top performers) equipment grants.
How is the programme delivered?
The programme is typically delivered as an online programme, with a duration that may vary depending on the phase. Phase 6, for example, was a five-week online programme.
What topics are covered in the programme?
The programme curriculum focuses on a blend of ICT skills and business knowledge. Specific topics may vary by phase but generally include areas like: Entrepreneurship in the Digital Age ICT for Business Success Digital Marketing Strategies (e.g., using Meta Boost for Small Business) Generative AI Skills (in some phases)
Do participants receive any certificates upon completion?
Participants who complete the programme are likely to receive certificates. However, confirmation of this detail might require checking the MTN Foundation website or contacting them directly.
What is the selection process like?
Specific details about the selection process are not publicly available. However, applications likely go through a review process based on eligibility criteria and potentially additional factors.
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