Call for Applications: Airtel–3MTT NextGen Fellowship 2025 for Young Nigerian Innovators

Applications are now open for the Airtel–3MTT NextGen Fellowship 2025, one of Nigeria’s most impactful digital talent development initiatives. The programme is powered by a strategic collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, the Airtel Africa Foundation, NITDA, and the 3MTT Secretariat.

The fellowship is a specialised track within the national 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, designed to identify, train, and empower young Nigerians who are ready to pursue careers and build solutions in Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital economy.

Why the Fellowship Matters

The NextGen Fellowship is a national investment in developing world-class digital professionals.

• For fellows: It provides advanced training, mentorship, hands-on project experience, innovation challenges, and pathways to employment.
• For the tech industry: It creates a reliable pipeline of job-ready, industry-trained professionals.
• For Nigeria: It strengthens the nation’s position as a global technology talent hub and builds a digitally skilled workforce capable of driving sustainable development.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a young Nigerian passionate about building a digital or technical career
• Show interest in one or more digital fields, including software development, data, UI/UX, cybersecurity, cloud, AI, or product management
• Demonstrate commitment to completing the full fellowship journey
• Be willing to take part in projects, hackathons, and collaborative group work
• Suitable for learners, job seekers, innovators, creators, and professionals transitioning into tech

What Participants Will Gain

Selected fellows receive comprehensive training and opportunities that prepare them for real-world careers.

• Flexible digital learning on a self-paced schedule
• Project-based training: real assignments, hackathons, and teamwork
• Mentorship from industry experts at Airtel Africa, NITDA, and the 3MTT Secretariat
• National innovation challenges with opportunities to showcase solutions
• Externship matching and job placement support
• Digital badges and certificates to enhance professional portfolios
• Access to a nationwide community of innovators and creators

Training Tracks Include:

• Software Development
• Data Science & Analytics
• UI/UX Design
• Cybersecurity
• Cloud Computing
• Product Management
• Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning

How the Fellowship Works

The programme follows a structured four-step journey:

1. Application & Assessment: Applicants register on the official portal and complete the assessment.
2. Shortlisting: Top performers are selected based on curiosity, potential, and commitment.
3. Learning & Innovation: Fellows join learning clusters, mentorship sessions, and participate in innovation challenges.
4. Career Launch: Participants receive externship opportunities, employment pathways, global exposure, and ongoing support for innovation

Who Should Apply

This fellowship is ideal for:

• Young Nigerians seeking structured digital training
• Learners who need real projects and industry experience
• Job seekers aiming for high-growth tech careers
• Creators and innovators building tech-based solutions
• Professionals transitioning into digital roles

Programme Partners

This initiative is delivered through a strong partnership between:

• Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy
• Airtel Africa Foundation
• NITDA
• 3MTT Secretariat

Together, they aim to build Nigeria’s next generation of world-class digital talent.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can apply through the official portal:

nextgen.3mttnigeria.com