BOI–MTN Y’ellopreneur 2026: Apply for ₦5 Million Equipment Loan

A New Era for Female Entrepreneurs in Nigeria

The real problem most women entrepreneurs face

You have done the hard part—you started, and the business is working, even if slowly. Now the one thing that hold most business owners back: funding to grow the business. Banks demand collateral you don’t have, grants are scarce and competitive, and most “empowerment programmes” stop at training without real financial backing, which is exactly why the Y’ellopreneur programme by the Bank of Industry and MTN Foundation stands out, combining training, funding, and growth support into one practical pipeline that actually helps you scale.

The MTN Y’ellopreneur Phase 3 (BOI–MTN Foundation Y’ellopreneur 3.0 Matching Fund) is a landmark ₦1 billion initiative designed to unlock the potential of women‑led MSMEs across Nigeria. Through a partnership between MTN Foundation and the Bank of Industry (BoI), this programme delivers capacity building, mentorship, and equipment loans of up to ₦5 million to help female entrepreneurs scale from micro to industrial level.

Unlike conventional loans, Y’ellopreneur follows a “Train‑to‑Fund” model: 1,000 women receive a 4‑week virtual entrepreneurship training (by Enterprise Development Centre, Pan‑Atlantic University), and 200 outstanding participants gain access to single‑digit interest equipment financing. Upon full repayment, 25% of the loan value converts into a grant.

Programme Name	MTN Y’ellopreneur Phase 3 / BOI–MTN Y’ellopreneur 3.0
Total Fund	₦1 Billion (matching fund)
Training Slots	1,000 women entrepreneurs
Loan Slots	200 women (up to ₦5 million each)
Loan Type	Equipment financing (single‑digit interest)
Application Deadline	April 20, 2026
Priority Sectors	Agriculture, Manufacturing, ICT, Fashion, Energy, Waste Management, Food Processing
Portal	mtn.ng/yellopreneur | BOI portal

✨ Key Benefits of Y’ellopreneur Phase 3

• Up to ₦5 million equipment loan: Acquire industrial machinery, processing units, or tech infrastructure to scale production.
• Single‑digit Interest rate: Affordable repayment terms designed for growing MSMEs.
• 25% Grant Conversion: After full loan repayment, one‑quarter of the borrowed amount becomes a non‑refundable grant.
• World‑class Business Training: 4 weeks of virtual learning from the Enterprise Development Centre, Pan‑Atlantic University.
• Mentorship & Advisory Support: Ongoing guidance from industry experts and BoI partners.
• Increased Business Credibility: Being a Y’ellopreneur beneficiary opens doors to further funding and partnerships.
• Job Creation & Economic Impact: Grow your team and contribute to Nigeria’s industrialisation.

📋 Who Can Apply? Eligibility Criteria

• Nigerian female entrepreneur with a registered business (CAC certificate preferred).
• Business must have been in operation for at least two years.
• Operate in high‑impact sectors: Agriculture, Manufacturing, ICT, Processing, Circular Economy/Waste Management, Fashion, Energy, etc.
• Willingness to complete the 4‑week online training and mentorship programme.
• Ability to provide basic financial records (bank statements, sales history) and a clear growth plan.
• Preference given to women who source raw materials locally (strengthening local supply chains).

📌 Step‑by‑Step Application Process

Step 1: Visit the official MTN Foundation portal: mtn.ng/yellopreneur or the BOI page boi.ng/.

Step 2: Register with a valid email address and phone number, then complete the online application form accurately.

Step 3: Upload the required documents: CAC certificate, government ID, financial records (bank statements, sales history), a business plan, and a brief equipment proposal.

Step 4: Double‑check all information and submit before the April 20, 2026 deadline.

Step 5: If shortlisted, you will be invited to a 4‑week online entrepreneurial training. Completion is mandatory to qualify for the ₦5 million equipment loan.

👉 Apply for Y’ellopreneur 3.0 Now 👈

📖 More Funding & Training Opportunities

Seplat YEP 2026: Seed Funding & Training

Young entrepreneurs can access seed capital and mentorship – ideal for energy, tech, and agri‑startups.

DBN Entrepreneurship Training with ₦8.5m Grant

Development Bank of Nigeria offers grant potential up to ₦8.5 million after rigorous training.

Previous Y’ellopreneur Phase: ₦3 Million Each

Success stories from earlier phases and how 150 women scaled their businesses.

⚠️ Important Disclaimers & Pro Advice

• No Application Fees: MTN Foundation and BOI never charge any fee. Beware of scammers.
• Loan, then Grant: The primary support is an equipment loan. After full repayment, 25% becomes a grant.
• Prepare a bankable business plan: Show how the equipment will increase production, revenue, and employment.
• Keep Clean Financial Records: Even simple spreadsheets dramatically improve your approval chances.
• Start Early: The portal may experience heavy traffic near the April 20 deadline.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What exactly is MTN Y’ellopreneur Phase 3?

A: It is a ₦1 billion matching fund between MTN Foundation and Bank of Industry (BOI) that provides entrepreneurial training and equipment loans up to ₦5 million to Nigerian women entrepreneurs.

Q2: What is the application deadline?

A: The deadline is April 20, 2026. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Q3: How much can I borrow, and at what interest rate?

A: Up to ₦5 million per selected business, with a single‑digit interest rate for equipment financing.

Q4: What other women empowerment programmes exist in Nigeria?

A: Other notable initiatives include DBN Entrepreneurship Training (up to ₦8.5m grant potential), EstablishHER N150m Fund by Olori Atuwatse, She Thrives Initiative, and Kuda For Her Pitch Challenge.

Q5: Is there a grant after repaying the loan?

A: Yes. Upon full repayment of the equipment loan, 25% of the loan value is given back as a grant to the entrepreneur.

Q6: Can I apply if my business is not registered with CAC?

A: CAC registration is strongly preferred. Unregistered businesses may have lower chances, but you can still apply if you have other formal documentation.

🔥 Final Call to Action

With only 200 funding slots available nationwide, the MTN Y’ellopreneur Phase 3 is highly competitive. Don’t let incomplete documents or a weak business plan hold you back. Take advantage of this ₦1 billion matching fund, get the equipment you need to scale, and join the growing community of successful Y’ellopreneur alumni.

Deadline: April 20, 2026. Click the button below to start your application today.

🚀 Apply for MTN Y’ellopreneur 3.0 Now 🚀

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Noble Solutions is not affiliated with MTN Nigeria or the Bank of Industry. Please verify all details on the official portal before applying.