MTN Foundation has officially launched the seventh phase of its ICT business skills training programme, targeting more than 2,000 young entrepreneurs from Nigeria’s growing small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) sector. The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s National Digital Economy and SME Development agenda, aiming to equip business owners with digital tools to enhance productivity and operational efficiency.
The first week of the virtual programme ran from Monday, January 5, 2026, to Friday, January 9, 2026, providing participants with practical guidance on transitioning from paper-based systems to digital processes that improve record-keeping, customer management, and financial tracking.
Brandspur Brand News reports that the training sessions were led by business analyst Babajide Jolaolu-Kehinde and moderated by Temiloluwa Oyekanmi, Programme and Partnerships Lead. Participants were introduced to the SWOT framework—assessing Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats—to evaluate business performance and prioritise areas for improvement. Trainers emphasised the importance of adopting online payments, digital order channels, and real-time customer tracking as key strategies for measurable growth.
Practical demonstrations highlighted how small traders and SME owners expanded their operations by using digital tools such as WhatsApp, e-commerce platforms, and spreadsheets. Examples included replacing cash payments with mobile transfers and leveraging digital channels to reach customers beyond local markets. Trainers noted that manual, paper-based operations limit visibility into sales performance and restrict market access, while digital solutions provide accurate data, reduce errors, and support business scaling.
At the conclusion of the onboarding week, participants were encouraged to implement at least one digital improvement in their businesses. MTN Foundation also confirmed plans for follow-up workshops and mentorship to ensure sustained SME development and contribute to long-term economic growth in Nigeria. The training programme is scheduled to continue over the next four weeks, covering additional digital business skills and practical applications for SME owners.
The MTN Foundation initiative underscores a growing focus on digital literacy and entrepreneurship among Nigerian youths, equipping them to navigate modern business challenges while supporting national economic transformation.
