The MTN Foundation has introduced a female-only cohort under its ICT and Business Skills Training Programme, marking a significant shift in its approach to supporting entrepreneurs. This new phase, the eighth in the programme, aims to equip 3,000 young women aged 18 to 35 with digital and business skills to grow their micro-businesses. The programme, which has already trained 15,362 participants across 29 states and the Federal Capital Territory, is now focusing on providing targeted support to young women entrepreneurs.
The first female-only cohort is a five-week programme that will provide participants with blended learning, expert-led masterclasses, and practical activities. The initiative is a collaboration between MTN Foundation and ecosystem partners, including Oracle, KPMG, IBM, DBI, Cisco, Google, Meta, and Microsoft. This partnership aims to create a dedicated platform for young women to strengthen their businesses and take advantage of opportunities in the digital economy.
According to Odunayo Sanya, executive director of MTN Foundation, the new focus responds to the need for more targeted support for women entrepreneurs. She noted that with the right skills and support, entrepreneurs can significantly grow their businesses. The programme's focus on women entrepreneurs is expected to help bridge the gap in digital and business skills, enabling them to compete effectively in the market.
The programme is open to young women aged 18 to 35 who run micro-businesses not older than two years. Participants are drawn from Abia, Kwara, Gombe, Rivers, Ogun, and Kano States. This targeted approach will enable MTN Foundation to provide specific support to women entrepreneurs in these regions, helping them to overcome unique challenges and capitalize on opportunities.
Since its inception, the MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training Programme has provided equipment grants to 1,100 participants. The top 100 participants in the female-only cohort will each receive a N1 million equipment grant, while continued access to the MTN Skills Academy will support learning beyond the programme. This grant will enable participants to acquire necessary equipment to grow their businesses.
The MTN Foundation ICT and Business Skills Training Programme has equipped thousands of Nigerian micro-business owners with skills for business growth. The programme's expansion to a female-only cohort is expected to have a significant impact on women entrepreneurs in Nigeria, enabling them to strengthen their businesses and compete effectively in the digital economy.
The programme's impact is expected to be long-term, with participants benefiting from the skills and support provided. The MTN Foundation's focus on women entrepreneurs is a significant step towards promoting economic empowerment and digital inclusion in Nigeria. The programme's success will be measured by the growth and sustainability of the businesses supported.
Key points
- MTN Foundation's ICT and Business Skills Training Programme has trained 15,362 participants across 29 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
- The female-only cohort aims to equip 3,000 young women aged 18 to 35 with digital and business skills to grow their micro-businesses.
- The top 100 participants in the female-only cohort will each receive a N1 million equipment grant.
