5,980 young Nigerians get MTN Foundation’s ICT, business skills

…600 beneficiaries get equipment grant worth N300m

The MTN Nigeria Foundation has graduated 5,980 young Nigerians in ICT and business skills, reinforcing its push to deepen digital inclusion and entrepreneurship across the country’s 774 local governments.

The beneficiaries completed Phase 7 of the foundation’s ICT and Business Skills Training Programme, designed to equip young people with digital, financial, and entrepreneurial capabilities to build sustainable ventures.

Speaking at the closing ceremony in Abuja on Wednesday, the Executive Director of MTN Nigeria Foundation, Mrs Odunayo Sanya said the programme, launched in 2018 and moved online in 2020, has now trained 15,962 young Nigerians across about 30 states, with over N1 billion invested in the initiative alone.

Sanya said the initiative reflects the company’s broader philosophy of shared growth. “At MTN, we do believe that we’re only as good as the people that we serve. Our vision really is that we envision a Nigeria where no community is left behind. Nigeria, 774 local governments, 36 states, and the FCT, and that’s a lot of work,” she said,

She said that the foundation, funded by up to one percent of MTN Nigeria’s annual profit after tax, has invested about N33 billion in community projects over 22 years, reaching nearly 4,000 communities and 520 local governments, adding that the company aims to expand support with focus on female entrepreneurs.

Speaking earlier, Chairman of the foundation, Dr Mosun Belo-Olusoga, represented by Mallam Surajuddeen Yakubu, described the graduation as a milestone in a growing movement of youth-led enterprise.

He said, “Today is more than a celebration, it is a celebration of resilience, a celebration of courage, and a celebration of possibility that we all represent,” adding that the foundation remains committed to supporting participants beyond the training, to ensure growth.”

Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform, Dr. Taiwo Oyedele, said the programme aligns with ongoing tax reforms aimed at supporting small businesses and encouraging formalisation.

Oyedele outlined new incentives for micro and small enterprises, including zero per cent corporate income tax for companies with turnover below N100 million and assets not exceeding N250 million, as well as exemptions for informal businesses earning below N12 million annually.

“One of the most important features of the reforms is the deliberate focus on micro and small enterprises. Number one, there is a zero percent corporate tax rate,” he said.

He urged the graduates to formalise their businesses, keep proper records and separate personal and business finances, stressing that discipline and transparency are critical to accessing credit, investment and government support in Nigeria’s evolving fiscal environment.

On his part, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mr Charles Odii said report shows that Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem faces an estimated ₦20 trillion financing deficit, stressing that government alone cannot bridge the gap.

He noted that while budgetary allocations exist, deeper collaboration with the private sector remains critical to unlocking capital, skills and market access for small businesses.

He commended the Foundation for training entrepreneurs and providing equipment support worth N300 million to 600 beneficiaries, adding that SMEDAN will step in to help participants formalise their businesses, access financial and non-financial resources, and tap workforce support schemes.

He also disclosed that a policy review is underway to reshape MSME support strategies for the next five years, with business owners expected to play an active role in shaping the framework.