MTN Foundation has commenced its ICT Skills and Training programme, aimed at upskilling 6,000 young Nigerians to embrace digital transformation, at a time when small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) remain the backbone of the Nigerian economy. The initiative follows a strong response that saw over 61,000 applications submitted by young Nigerians seeking to improve digital capacity and business performance.
The programme, now in its fifth week, began on January 5, 2026. This seventh phase of the project is focused on supporting Nigeria’s SMEs. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) shows that SMEs account for over 90 per cent of businesses in the country and employ a large share of the workforce, highlighting the need for interventions that strengthen productivity and sustainability.
After a one-month call for applications in September 2025, more than 61,000 entries were received from Nigerians aged between 18 and 35. From this pool, 6,000 participants were selected to take part in a five-week virtual training programme scheduled to end this month. The programme opened with an onboarding session that brought together participants across four business tracks and introduced them to a practical curriculum focused on digital growth.
Participants include microbusiness owners operating in sectors such as food services, fashion, retail, logistics, beauty, and printing. The training emphasises the use of practical and affordable digital tools instead of complex or expensive technologies. This approach ensures that early-stage SMEs with limited financial capacity can begin their digital journey and achieve measurable improvements in operations.
Central to the training is the understanding that digital transformation is a continuous process rather than a one-time effort. Participants were encouraged to start small, digitise repetitive tasks, and gradually scale operations using the Kaizen approach of continuous improvement. This perspective helps SMEs view technology as a practical tool for growth. As the training progressed, participants were also exposed to lessons on telesales and cybersecurity.
Speaking on the initiative, Executive Director of MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, said the programme was designed to address real challenges faced by young business owners. She said, “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and helping young people adopt simple digital tools can make a real difference in productivity, sustainability, and long-term growth.”
The programme is being implemented by Learning Core Company, an e-learning platform focused on equipping Nigerian youth with relevant digital skills. The training commenced with a session facilitated by Babajide Jolaolu-Kehinde, a Business Analyst and Digital Transformation Expert, who guided participants through step-by-step digital strategies tailored to small businesses.
He also led a session titled “Digital Transformation: Meaning and Urgency for Nigerian Businesses,” where he explained how automating routine tasks can save time, reduce errors, and improve efficiency. During the session, Babajide introduced tools such as WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business for customer engagement, as well as the integration of similar tools with MTN’s MoMo API. He noted that improved digital visibility allows SMEs to better understand customer behaviour and make informed business decisions.
The impact of these tools was demonstrated through facilitator-led case studies shared with participants. One example was Amoke Alamala, a cafeteria owner who reportedly grew her customer base by 300 per cent within five months by adopting digital ordering and payment systems. Another case study featured Korede Spaghetti around the University of Lagos, which expanded from a roadside kiosk to online sales, increasing daily orders from 20 to 95 plates through digital storefronts, QR code payments, and social media marketing.
Participants will continue to have access to learning materials and session recordings throughout the five-week programme, ensuring that digital adoption extends beyond the training period nationwide.
