MTN Foundation ICT Training 2026: Apply for Phase 8 & Up to ₦1 Million Equipment Grant

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Category: Business Training Programmes

Published on Thursday, 10 September 2026 12:09

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The MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training Programme Phase 8 is now accepting applications from eligible young female entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

The initiative is designed to help women running young microbusinesses develop practical digital skills, business management skills and technology-based tools that can help them improve and grow their businesses.

For Phase 8, MTN Foundation will train 3,000 female microbusiness owners from six Nigerian states. In addition to the training, the top 100 participants may receive equipment grants of up to ₦1 million each, from a total equipment grant fund of ₦100 million.

MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training Phase 8

The MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training Programme is an entrepreneurship and digital skills initiative targeted at young Nigerians who own and manage microbusinesses.

The programme has been running since 2018 and has trained more than 15,000 young Nigerians across 29 states and the Federal Capital Territory. MTN Foundation says previous phases have also supported selected participants with equipment grants to help strengthen their businesses.

Phase 8 has a specific focus on female microbusiness owners in Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano and Gombe States.

What Is the MTN Foundation Phase 8 Programme?

This is primarily a business and ICT skills training programme, rather than a grant programme where every successful applicant receives cash.

Participants will undergo five weeks of blended learning designed to help them apply digital and business knowledge to their enterprises.

The training combines:

• Self-paced online learning

• Instructor-led training sessions

• Business masterclasses

• Practical learning activities

• A capstone project challenge

• Data support for participants

The programme is intended to help business owners understand how technology and digital tools can be used to improve everyday business operations.

Is the MTN Foundation ICT Training a Grant?

Yes, but with an important qualification.

The programme includes an equipment grant opportunity, but applicants should not assume that everyone who completes the training will receive ₦1 million.

According to MTN Foundation, the top 100 participants will receive equipment grants of up to ₦1,000,000 each, drawn from a total ₦100 million equipment grant fund.

Therefore, it is more accurate to describe Phase 8 as a free ICT and business training programme with a competitive equipment grant opportunity.

Benefits of the MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training

Successful participants can benefit from practical knowledge that can be applied directly to their businesses.

Key benefits include:

• Five weeks of ICT and business skills training

• Access to self-paced online learning

• Instructor-led learning sessions

• Business masterclasses

• Data support during 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

The equipment support can be particularly useful for entrepreneurs who need business equipment to improve their operations, productivity or capacity.

Who Can Apply for MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training Phase 8?

The Phase 8 programme has specific eligibility requirements.

Applicants must:

• Be a Nigerian female

• Be between 18 and 35 years old

• Own and manage a microbusiness

• Have a business that has been operating for no more than two years

• Have the business located in Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano or Gombe State

Applicants who do not meet these conditions may not qualify for Phase 8.

Eligible States

The six states covered under Phase 8 are:

1. Rivers State

2. Abia State

3. Ogun State

4. Kwara State

5. Kano State

6. Gombe State

If your business is located outside these states, you should not apply under Phase 8 because the official eligibility criteria specifically limit the programme to these locations.

Who Is This Programme Best For?

The opportunity may be particularly useful for women who have recently started a small business and want to improve their knowledge of:

• Digital marketing

• Business management

• Technology for business

• Customer engagement

• Online business operations

• Productivity tools

• Business growth strategies

The programme is aimed at existing microbusiness owners, so it is not simply a general digital skills course for people who do not currently operate a business.

How to Apply for MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training Phase 8

Interested entrepreneurs should apply through the official MTN Foundation programme page.

Step 1: Visit the official MTN Foundation page

Go to the official MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training page.

Step 2: Check the eligibility requirements

Make sure you are:

• A Nigerian woman

• Aged 18–35

• Running a microbusiness

• Operating the business for no more than two years

• Based in one of the six eligible states

Step 3: Complete the application

Use the official “Click here to apply” option on the MTN Foundation page to access the application form.

Step 4: Submit before the deadline

Complete your application carefully and submit it before 11 October 2026.

Official application page:

MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training – Phase 8

Important Things Applicants Should Know

Before applying, keep the following points in mind:

• The programme is specifically for female Nigerian entrepreneurs aged 18–35.

• Your business must have operated for no more than two years.

• Your business must be located in one of the six eligible states.

• The programme is not a ₦1 million cash grant for every applicant.

• The equipment grant is competitive and is reserved for the top 100 participants.

• The maximum equipment grant is ₦1 million per selected recipient.

• The overall equipment grant fund is ₦100 million.

• The training lasts five weeks.

• Applications close on 11 October 2026.

MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training Phase 8 – Quick Facts

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Conclusion

The MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training Phase 8 is a valuable opportunity for young Nigerian women who are already running microbusinesses in Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano or Gombe State.

The main opportunity is the five-week digital and business skills training, while the strongest financial incentive is the competitive equipment grant available to the top 100 participants, worth up to ₦1 million each.

If you meet the eligibility requirements, it is advisable to submit your application early rather than wait until the 11 October 2026 deadline.

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