Women running small businesses in Nigeria have an opportunity to participate in the MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme – Phase 8, a five-week programme designed to provide practical digital and business skills.
The 2026 edition is targeted at 3,000 female microbusiness owners between the ages of 18 and 35 in six Nigerian states: Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano and Gombe.
The programme combines online learning, instructor-led sessions, business masterclasses and a capstone project. Participants will also receive data support during the training.
Importantly, the programme is not a guaranteed ₦1 million cash grant for every applicant. According to the programme information, the top 100 participants may receive equipment grants of up to ₦1 million each, from a total equipment-grant fund of ₦100 million.
Applications are scheduled to close on October 11, 2026.
What Is the MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme?
The MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme is an initiative focused on helping young Nigerian micro business owners develop practical technology and business skills.
Rather than being simply a funding programme, Phase 8 combines training and potential equipment support.
Participants are expected to learn skills that can be applied to their existing businesses, including digital practices that can help them manage, market and develop their businesses more effectively.
MTN’s published information says previous phases have reached thousands of young micro business owners across Nigeria.
MTN Phase 8 Programme Details at a Glance
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Programme | MTN ICT and Business Skills Training – Phase 8 |
| Target participants | Female micro business owners |
| Age | 18–35 years |
| Number to be trained | 3,000 |
| Eligible states | Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano and Gombe |
| Training duration | 5 weeks |
| Training format | Blended learning |
| Data support | Yes |
| Potential equipment grant | Up to ₦1 million |
| Potential grant recipients | Top 100 participants |
| Total equipment-grant fund | ₦100 million |
| Application deadline | October 11, 2026 |
The information above reflects the current programme details published by MTN and corroborating opportunity listings.
Who Can Apply for MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Phase 8?
The Phase 8 opportunity is specifically targeted at female micro business owners.
Based on the published eligibility information, applicants should meet the following requirements:
1. You must be Nigerian
The programme is intended for young Nigerian entrepreneurs.
2. You must be a woman
Phase 8 specifically focuses on female micro business owners.
3. You must be between 18 and 35 years old
Applicants outside the stated age range should not assume they qualify for this particular phase.
4. You must own and manage a micro business
The opportunity is intended for people who are already running a micro business rather than applicants who only have a business idea.
5. Your business must meet the programme’s operating-period requirement
Published programme information states that the business should have been operating for no more than two years.
6. Your business must be located in one of the six eligible states
Phase 8 is specifically targeted at businesses located in:
- Rivers State
- Abia State
- Ogun State
- Kwara State
- Kano State
- Gombe State
If your business is located outside these states, do not assume that you are eligible for Phase 8 simply because you meet the age and business requirements.
What Will Participants Receive?
The main benefit of Phase 8 is the five-week business and ICT training.
The programme is expected to combine several learning methods.
Self-paced online learning
Participants will have online modules that can be completed at their own pace.
Instructor-led sessions
The programme also includes sessions led by instructors to provide structured learning and guidance.
Entrepreneurial masterclasses
Participants will have access to masterclasses involving experienced entrepreneurs.
Capstone project
A capstone project forms part of the programme, giving participants an opportunity to apply what they have learned.
Data support
Participants will receive data support intended to help them participate in the online learning activities.
Is the MTN Programme Giving Everyone ₦1 Million?
No. This is an important point applicants should understand.
The programme information does not state that all 3,000 participants will receive ₦1 million.
Instead, the top 100 participants will have an opportunity to receive equipment grants of up to ₦1 million each, from a stated ₦100 million equipment-grant fund.
Therefore, applicants should view the programme primarily as a training opportunity with potential equipment support for selected top participants, rather than a guaranteed cash payment.
This distinction is important when evaluating online claims about the programme.
How the Five-Week Training Works
The programme uses a blended-learning approach.
This means participants are expected to combine different forms of learning rather than relying exclusively on physical classes or self-study.
The published programme description includes:
- Self-paced online modules
- Instructor-led training
- Entrepreneurial masterclasses
- A capstone project challenge
- Data support
The goal is to help participants take the knowledge gained during the programme and apply it to their businesses.
How to Apply for MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Phase 8
If you meet the eligibility requirements, the safest approach is to apply through the official MTN Foundation/MTN application page, rather than relying on links circulated through social media.
The official MTN website currently lists Phase 8 as an opportunity for 3,000 female micro business owners in Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano and Gombe, with applications closing on October 11, 2026.
Application steps
Step 1: Visit the official MTN Foundation programme page.
Step 2: Read the eligibility requirements carefully.
Step 3: Select the “Click Here to Apply” option.
Step 4: Complete the application form with accurate personal and business information.
Step 5: Review the information you entered before submitting.
Step 6: Keep any application confirmation or reference information provided after submission.
Official MTN website: MTN Nigeria
Safety tip: Do not pay an individual or unofficial website simply because someone claims that payment is required to secure an MTN grant. Verify application instructions through MTN’s official channels before submitting sensitive information or making any payment.
What Should Applicants Prepare Before Applying?
Although applicants should follow the actual application form and official instructions, it is sensible to have accurate information about your business available before starting.
You may need information such as:
- Your full name
- Contact details
- Age/date of birth
- State of residence
- Business location
- Description of your business
- How long the business has operated
- Products or services offered
- How the business currently uses technology
- Your plans for developing the business
The most important rule is to provide truthful information. Do not create figures, business records or other information simply to make an application appear stronger.
Why the Training May Be Useful for Micro business Owners
Digital skills can be relevant to many small businesses, particularly where entrepreneurs use phones, social media, online payments, digital marketing or other technology to interact with customers.
For example, a participant may be able to apply newly acquired skills to areas such as:
- Digital marketing
- Customer communication
- Online business promotion
- Basic business management
- Digital record keeping
- Technology adoption
- Business planning
- Improving online visibility
However, participation in the programme should not be interpreted as a guarantee that a business will increase its revenue or receive the equipment grant.
Important Things to Know Before Applying
The ₦1 million is not guaranteed
Only the top 100 participants are identified for the potential equipment grant, and the stated amount is up to ₦1 million.
Phase 8 is for women
Unlike a general entrepreneurship programme, this particular phase is specifically focused on female micro business owners.
State restrictions apply
The listed states are Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano and Gombe.
The programme is five weeks
Applicants should be prepared to participate in the training activities throughout the programme period.
Check the official source before submitting
Application details can change. Always verify the latest information on the official MTN platform before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MTN ICT and Business Skills Training free?
The programme information reviewed for Phase 8 describes the training opportunity and does not indicate an application fee. Applicants should nevertheless verify the current instructions on the official MTN application page before submitting their application.
Can men apply for Phase 8?
The Phase 8 programme is specifically targeted at female micro business owners, so men should not assume that they are eligible for this particular phase.
Can someone outside the six states apply?
The published Phase 8 information identifies Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano and Gombe as the participating states. Applicants whose businesses are outside those states should check whether MTN announces another phase or programme applicable to their location.
Is everyone getting ₦1 million?
No. The published information says the top 100 participants can receive equipment grants of up to ₦1 million each from the ₦100 million fund.
How long is the training?
The Phase 8 training is scheduled to run for five weeks.
How many people will participate?
Phase 8 is designed to train 3,000 female micro business owners from the six listed states.
When does the application close?
The stated application deadline is October 11, 2026.
Where should I apply?
Use the official MTN website and follow the application option provided on the Phase 8 programme page. Avoid relying on unofficial social-media links.
Final Takeaway
The MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme Phase 8 is a five-week opportunity for eligible female micro business owners aged 18–35 in Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano and Gombe.
The programme combines digital and business training with data support and a capstone project. There is also an equipment-grant component, but the up-to-₦1 million support is for the top 100 participants rather than all 3,000 trainees.
With the application deadline set for October 11, 2026, eligible business owners should verify the official requirements and submit their applications through the official MTN channel rather than relying on third-party claims.
Disclaimer
Naija Money Guide provides this article for informational and educational purposes. We are not MTN Foundation and do not process applications or guarantee selection, training admission or equipment grants. Programme requirements, deadlines and application procedures can change, so readers should verify the latest information directly with the official programme organiser before applying. Never pay an unofficial person or platform to secure a grant.
