MTN Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to the development of digital talent in Nigeria by supporting the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) Programme with a total investment of ₦3 billion.
Speaking on the partnership, Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, said: “MTN Nigeria has been a committed partner to the 3MTT Programme since its inception, playing a vital role in laying the foundation for what has become the world’s largest tech talent accelerator. As we work to position Nigeria as a global hub for digital talent, partnerships like this are vital in ensuring that opportunity is not limited by geography or circumstance, but driven by skill, inclusion, and shared purpose.”
As one of the founding partners of the 3MTT initiative, MTN Nigeria has played a key role in the programme’s implementation. The support includes ₦1.45 billion disbursed for technical training, ₦1.5 billion in data grants to aid learner connectivity, and an additional ₦50 million towards the distribution of Raspberry Pi devices through the Ministry’s Buildathon programme.
The 3MTT Programme is designed to equip young Nigerians with digital skills in areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, Product Management, Cloud Computing, and Software Development. These skills aim to help beneficiaries transition into the global digital workforce.
MTN Nigeria’s funding has contributed to the training of over 90,000 Nigerians in the first two cohorts, deployed through 197 Applied Learning Cluster (ALC) partners across the country. The Raspberry Pi kits have reached 3,500 students in secondary schools, supporting hands-on learning and group collaboration in technology.
The support comes at a time when the global technology sector is facing a shortage of skilled talent. Nigeria, through the 3MTT Programme, is positioning itself to meet this demand. The programme has received over 1.8 million applications and is in its final pilot cohort. The next phase, expected to begin in the second quarter of this year, will include the Nigeria Talent Cities Initiative, which aims to create campuses for outsourcing and produce 500,000 jobs by 2027.
According to Karl Olutokun Toriola, MTN Nigeria CEO, “As a technology company committed to advancing Africa’s progress, we recognise that digital skills are the bedrock of innovation, employment, and economic inclusion. Our commitment to the 3MTT Programme is a commitment to Nigeria’s future, as it aims to build the technical talent backbone that will power our digital economy and position the country as a net talent exporter.”
The company’s intervention addresses barriers such as affordability, infrastructure, and access. It ensures that learners from underserved communities can access scholarships, tools, and mentorship needed to participate in the digital economy.
MTN Nigeria’s continued involvement aims to expand access to digital education, particularly for those in remote areas, and to ensure inclusive participation in shaping Nigeria’s future digital workforce.
The 3MTT Programme is a flagship initiative of the Ministry designed to train three million Nigerians in digital skills that meet global market needs.
To explore partnership opportunities or join the digital transformation effort, interested parties are encouraged to reach out to the Ministry through official channels.
