ABUJA — The MTN Nigeria Foundation has reached a major milestone in its mission to digitize Nigeria’s grassroots economy, graduating 5,980 young entrepreneurs from Phase 7 of its ICT and Business Skills Training Programme. The ceremony, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, was headlined by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who hailed the graduates as the “architects of Nigeria’s digital future.”
Beyond certificates, the foundation unveiled a massive ₦300 million equipment grant for the top 600 participants to help them transition from trainees to tech-enabled business owners.
Phase 7: Scaling Impact Across 8 States
The seventh phase targeted micro-business owners aged 18–35 in Abuja, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Enugu, Ondo, Plateau, Sokoto, and Taraba. The curriculum, delivered in partnership with global giants like Microsoft, Meta, and Google, focused on practical digital tools to make small businesses more resilient.
Program Milestones (2018–2026):
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Total Trained: 15,962 young Nigerians across 30 states.
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Direct Investment: Over ₦1 billion dedicated to the ICT & Business Skills program alone.
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Phase 7 Graduates: 5,980 participants (from an initial cohort of 6,000).
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Equipment Support: Top 600 recipients received grants to purchase laptops, solar power systems, and specialized business machinery.
The “Shared Growth” Philosophy
Executive Director of the MTN Foundation, Mrs. Odunayo Sanya, emphasized that the foundation is fueled by 1% of MTN Nigeria’s annual Profit After Tax. This funding model ensures that as the telecommunications giant grows, the communities it serves benefit directly.
MTN Foundation’s 22-Year Legacy (2004–2026):
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Total Investment: Over ₦33 billion (recently surpassing the ₦32bn milestone).
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Reach: Nearly 4,000 communities and 520 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
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Strategic Focus: Shifting more support toward female entrepreneurs through initiatives like “Y’ellopreneur” to close the gender financing gap.
“Our vision is a Nigeria where no community is left behind,” Sanya noted. “We are not just conferring certificates; we are building the productive backbone of our economy.”
Tax Reforms: A Gift for Small Businesses
Keynote speaker Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reform, used the platform to announce major relief for the graduates. Under the “Renewed Hope” tax framework:
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Zero Corporate Tax: For companies with a turnover below ₦100 million.
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VAT Exemptions: Micro-businesses are now exempt from charging VAT or withholding tax.
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Simplified Compliance: Informal businesses earning below ₦12 million are exempt from personal income tax under a new “presumptive tax” regime.
Alumni Network: Sustaining the Momentum
The 6,000 Phase 7 participants were formally inducted into the MTN Foundation Alumni Network. This platform provides ongoing access to mentorship, market intelligence, and further funding opportunities, ensuring that the five-week training leads to a lifetime of business growth.
