MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Phase 8: Apply for ₦1 Million Equipment Grant
MTN Foundation has opened applications for Phase 8 of its ICT and Business Skills Training Programme, giving 3,000 Nigerian female microbusiness owners access to five weeks of practical digital and business training, with the top 100 participants eligible for equipment grants of up to ₦1 million each.
The programme is designed to help young women running small businesses improve their digital skills, business operations and ability to compete in today's economy.
Applications are currently open and will close on October 11, 2026.
Apply for the MTN ICT & Business Skills Training
Official application portal:
Apply for MTN ICT & Business Skills Training Phase 8
Application deadline: October 11, 2026
The application is free. Eligible applicants should apply through the official MTN Foundation platform and avoid anyone requesting payment in exchange for selection.
What Is the MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme?
The MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme is an initiative of MTN Foundation designed to equip young Nigerian entrepreneurs with practical technology and business skills.
The programme has been running since 2018 and has trained 15,362 young microbusiness owners through its previous phases. MTN says the initiative has worked with major technology and business organisations including Google, Oracle, KPMG, IBM, Cisco, Meta and Microsoft.
For Phase 8, MTN is focusing specifically on female microbusiness owners aged 18 to 35 in six Nigerian states.
What Does Phase 8 Offer?
Selected participants will take part in a five-week blended training programme.
The training combines:
Self-paced online learning
Instructor-led sessions
Masterclasses from experienced entrepreneurs
A capstone project challenge
Data support for participants
Practical digital and technology skills
Business development knowledge
The goal is to help participants apply what they learn directly to their businesses.
₦100 Million Equipment Grant Opportunity
One of the biggest attractions of Phase 8 is the equipment grant opportunity.
MTN Foundation says the top 100 participants will receive equipment grants of up to ₦1,000,000 each from a total ₦100 million equipment-grant fund.
This means successful participants could receive business equipment support to help them improve their operations and scale their businesses.
However, applicants should understand that the grant is not guaranteed simply because they participate in the training. The official programme specifically says the top 100 participants will receive the grants.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for Phase 8, you must meet the following requirements:
Be a Nigerian female.
Be between 18 and 35 years old.
Own and manage a microbusiness.
Your business must have been operating for no more than two years.
Your business must be located in one of the six eligible states.
Eligible States
The business must be located in:
Rivers State
Abia State
Ogun State
Kwara State
Kano State
Gombe State
If your business is located outside these states, you are not eligible for Phase 8 according to the current official requirements.
How the Five-Week Training Works
The programme uses a blended learning model rather than relying entirely on classroom sessions.
Online Learning
Participants will have access to self-paced learning modules that allow them to develop new skills digitally.
Instructor-Led Training
The programme also includes instructor-led sessions where participants can receive structured guidance and practical training.
Entrepreneur Masterclasses
Participants will learn from experienced entrepreneurs through masterclasses designed to expose them to real-world business knowledge.
Capstone Project
Participants will also work on a capstone project challenge, giving them an opportunity to apply what they have learned.
Data Support
MTN Foundation says participants will receive data support to help them participate in the digital learning activities.
What Skills Can You Gain?
The programme is particularly useful for women who want to make better use of technology in their businesses.
Depending on the training content and your business needs, the programme can help you strengthen areas such as:
Digital business operations
Technology adoption
Online business management
Digital tools
Business communication
Entrepreneurship
Customer engagement
Business growth strategies
Problem-solving
Digital transformation
The emphasis is on applying technology and business skills to real microbusiness challenges.
Why This Opportunity Is Worth Considering
Many small businesses in Nigeria struggle not because the owners lack ideas, but because they need better systems, digital skills, business knowledge and access to appropriate tools.
This programme addresses several of those areas at the same time.
You get structured training, exposure to experienced entrepreneurs, data support and the opportunity to compete for equipment funding.
For a female entrepreneur who already has a young business and wants to grow it, this could be more valuable than a general online course because the programme is specifically designed around microbusiness development.
Is the MTN Training Free?
Yes.
The official MTN Foundation announcement does not list an application fee. Applicants should use the official application portal and should be cautious of anyone asking for money to submit an application or guarantee selection.
Do not pay an agent to apply on your behalf.
Apply directly through:
Official MTN ICT & Business Skills Application Portal
How to Apply for MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Phase 8
Eligible applicants should follow the official application process through the MTN Foundation programme portal.
Step 1: Visit the Official Application Portal
Start your MTN Phase 8 application
Step 2: Check Your Eligibility
Confirm that:
You are Nigerian.
You are female.
You are aged 18–35.
You own and manage a microbusiness.
Your business has operated for no more than two years.
Your business is located in Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano or Gombe.
Step 3: Complete the Application
Provide accurate information about yourself and your business.
Step 4: Submit Your Application
Review your information carefully before submitting the application.
Make sure you complete the process before the official deadline.
MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Deadline
The application deadline for Phase 8 is October 11, 2026.
That gives eligible applicants several weeks to apply, but it is still advisable to submit your application early rather than waiting until the final day.
Deadline: October 11, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the MTN ICT and Business Skills Training for?
Phase 8 is specifically for Nigerian women aged 18–35 who own and manage microbusinesses that have operated for no more than two years.
How many people will be trained?
MTN Foundation says 3,000 female microbusiness owners will participate in Phase 8.
How much is the equipment grant?
The top 100 participants can receive up to ₦1 million each, from a total ₦100 million equipment-grant fund.
Is everyone guaranteed the ₦1 million grant?
No. The grant is for the top 100 participants, so participation in the training does not automatically guarantee an equipment grant.
Which states are eligible?
Businesses must be located in Rivers, Abia, Ogun, Kwara, Kano or Gombe State.
How long is the training?
The Phase 8 training runs for five weeks.
Is the application free?
The official MTN Foundation application announcement does not list an application fee. Applicants should apply directly through the official portal.
When is the deadline?
Applications close on October 11, 2026.
Final Takeaway
The MTN ICT and Business Skills Training Programme Phase 8 is a strong opportunity for Nigerian women who are already running young businesses and want to improve their digital and entrepreneurial skills.
The programme will train 3,000 women, provide five weeks of blended learning and give the top 100 participants the opportunity to receive equipment grants of up to ₦1 million each.
If you meet the requirements, don't wait until the deadline.
APPLY NOW — Official MTN Phase 8 Application Portal
Application deadline: October 11, 2026.