MTN Foundation has trained more than 6,000 young Nigerians through its ICT Skills and Training Programme, reinforcing efforts to drive digital adoption among youth-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The five-week virtual programme, which began on January 5, 2026, is currently in its seventh phase and is focused on helping microbusinesses leverage affordable digital tools to improve productivity and growth.
The initiative attracted significant interest nationwide, with over 61,000 applications submitted during a one-month application window in September 2025. Applicants aged between 18 and 35 were assessed, after which 6,000 participants were selected for the intensive training designed to address real-world business challenges faced by SMEs.
Brandspur Brand News understands that the programme aligns with Nigeria’s broader economic realities, as SMEs account for over 90 percent of businesses in the country and employ a large share of the workforce, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics. MTN Foundation’s intervention is positioned to strengthen the sustainability of this critical sector through practical digital capacity building.
Participants drawn from sectors such as food services, fashion, retail, logistics, beauty, and printing were introduced to simple, low-cost digital solutions tailored to early-stage and micro enterprises. The training prioritised tools that business owners can deploy immediately, avoiding complex or capital-intensive technologies that often limit adoption.
A core focus of the programme is the understanding that digital transformation is an ongoing process rather than a one-time upgrade. Trainees were guided to digitise routine tasks incrementally, adopt continuous improvement practices, and gradually scale their digital operations. Sessions also covered telesales strategies and basic cybersecurity awareness to help businesses operate safely in digital environments.
Executive Director of MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, said the programme was intentionally structured to deliver practical value to young entrepreneurs. She noted that equipping microbusiness owners with relevant digital skills can significantly improve efficiency, resilience, and long-term business growth across the economy.
The training was implemented in partnership with Learning Core Company, an e-learning platform focused on youth digital upskilling. Facilitator Babajide Jolaolu-Kehinde, a business analyst and digital transformation expert, led participants through hands-on sessions on automating operations, improving customer engagement, and using digital tools for better decision-making.
Case studies presented during the programme highlighted measurable outcomes from digital adoption. Examples included small food businesses that recorded sharp increases in customer orders and revenue after introducing digital payments, online ordering, QR codes, and social media marketing.
Participants will continue to access course materials and recorded sessions after the programme ends, ensuring sustained learning beyond the five-week period. MTN Foundation says the initiative demonstrates that meaningful digital growth for SMEs can be achieved without heavy investment, using tools that are already within reach of most Nigerian entrepreneurs.
