MTN Digital Skills Programme Empowers Youth-Led SMEs, Reaches Over 6,000 Microbusinesses
The MTN Foundation has launched 2026 with a renewed focus on youth entrepreneurship through its five-week ICT Skills and Training Programme, which is currently upskilling 6,000 young Nigerians. The initiative, which began on January 5, 2026, is now in its seventh phase and is designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises adopt digital tools that improve productivity and sustainability.
At a time when SMEs continue to serve as the backbone of Nigeria’s economy, the programme responds to a critical national need. Data from the National Bureau of Statistics shows that SMEs account for more than 90 percent of businesses in the country and employ a large share of the workforce. Strengthening their digital capacity is therefore essential to long-term economic growth.
Strong Demand Reflects Youth Interest in Digital Entrepreneurship
The current cohort emerged from a highly competitive selection process. After a one-month application window in September 2025, the programme received more than 61,000 applications from Nigerians aged 18 to 35. From this pool, 6,000 participants were selected for intensive virtual training.
The programme opened with a general onboarding session that brought together participants across four business tracks. This session introduced the structure of the course and laid the groundwork for four weeks of hands-on digital business training focused on real-world applications.
Practical Training for Everyday Business Needs
Participants in the programme represent a wide range of sectors, including food services, fashion, retail, logistics, beauty, and printing. Many of them operate micro and small enterprises with limited capital and infrastructure.
To address this reality, the training prioritises affordable and accessible digital tools over complex or expensive technologies. The goal is to ensure that even early-stage entrepreneurs can adopt digital solutions and achieve measurable improvements in their operations.
Rather than overwhelming participants with advanced systems, the programme focuses on simple tools that can be implemented immediately and scaled over time.
Promoting Continuous Digital Growth
A central theme of the training is that digital transformation is an ongoing process rather than a one-time upgrade. Participants are encouraged to begin with small changes, digitise routine activities, and gradually expand their digital capabilities.
This approach is rooted in the Kaizen philosophy of continuous improvement. By adopting this mindset, SMEs learn to view technology as a practical enabler of growth instead of a barrier.
As the programme progressed, participants were also introduced to telesales techniques and basic cybersecurity practices, helping them protect their operations while expanding their customer reach.
MTN Foundation’s Vision for SME Development
According to Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, the initiative is designed to directly address the challenges faced by young business owners.
She explained that the programme focuses on building practical skills that translate into real economic value.
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, she said.
Her remarks reflect the foundation’s broader commitment to supporting entrepreneurship through targeted capacity-building initiatives.
Expert-Led Training and Industry-Relevant Content
The programme is being implemented in partnership with Learning Core Company, an e-learning platform dedicated to equipping Nigerian youth with relevant digital skills.
The training commenced with a foundational session led by Babajide Jolaolu-Kehinde, a business analyst and digital transformation expert. He guided participants through practical, step-by-step strategies tailored to the realities of small businesses.
In a session titled Digital Transformation: Meaning and Urgency for Nigerian Businesses, he highlighted how automating routine processes can save time, reduce errors, and improve efficiency.
He also introduced accessible tools such as WhatsApp and WhatsApp Business for customer engagement, as well as the integration of similar platforms with MTN’s MoMo API. According to him, stronger digital visibility enables entrepreneurs to better understand customer behaviour and make more informed business decisions.
Real-Life Success Stories from the Programme
To demonstrate the practical impact of digital adoption, facilitators shared real-life case studies during the training sessions.
One example was Amoke Alamala, a cafeteria owner who increased her customer base by 300 percent within five months after adopting digital ordering and payment systems.
Another case study featured Korede Spaghetti, a popular food vendor near the University of Lagos. Through online shopfronts,, QR code payments, and social media marketing, the business expanded from a roadside kiosk to a digital operation. As a result, daily orders grew from 20 to 95 plates.
These examples reinforced the message that modest digital investments can produce significant returns when applied strategically.
Sustaining Digital Adoption Beyond the Classroom
Participants in the programme will continue to access learning materials and recorded sessions throughout the five-week course. This ensures that knowledge gained during live training can be revisited and applied over time.
By combining hands-on instruction, relatable success stories, and ongoing support, the MTN Foundation is reinforcing the idea that digital transformation does not require heavy capital investment or advanced technical expertise.
Instead, with the right guidance and tools, small businesses can steadily improve their operations, expand their reach, and build more resilient enterprises.
Driving Long-Term Impact Through Digital Inclusion
The MTN digital skills initiative reflects a growing recognition that sustainable economic development depends on empowering small businesses with practical technology.
By focusing on youth-led SMEs and microenterprises, the programme is helping to build a new generation of digitally confident entrepreneurs who can compete in an increasingly connected economy.
As Nigeria continues its transition toward a more digital future, initiatives like this are likely to play a critical role in strengthening grassroots enterprise and promoting inclusive growth.
