In a significant boost to Nigeria’s digital economy goals, MTN Nigeria has committed a cumulative N3 billion grant to support the Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda. The announcement was made by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, during a recent press briefing in Abuja.
MTN Nigeria: Early Backer of the 3MTT Program
Dr. Tijani emphasised that public-private partnerships remain central to the success of Nigeria’s ongoing digital transformation. He commended MTN Nigeria for its early and consistent support of the 3MTT Nigeria program, noting that the telecom giant has contributed N3 billion in funding since the program’s inception.
“MTN has played a vital role in enabling inclusive access to digital skills for thousands of young Nigerians across the country. This kind of sustained collaboration is key to building a future-ready workforce,” the Minister stated.
Other Major 3MTT Contributions
MTN’s grant follows other recent contributions to the initiative:
- The Airtel Africa Foundation donated N1 billion in March 2025 to advance training efforts.
- IHS Towers signed a N1 billion agreement with the Ministry to develop learning communities nationwide and fund 37 community manager salaries for three years.
These partnerships are collectively reinforcing the 3MTT program’s foundation and expanding its reach across all six geopolitical zones in Nigeria.
What is the 3MTT Program?
The 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program is a flagship initiative under the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy. It aims to train 3 million Nigerians in digital and technical skills that are crucial for economic competitiveness.
The program:
- Launched with 30,000 learners in its first cohort (1% of the target)
- Expanded to include 270,000 Nigerians in the second cohort (now at 10% of the target)
- Focuses on building a strong technical talent pipeline to power Nigeria’s emerging digital economy
Key Digital Skills Offered by 3MTT
The 3MTT program offers training in a wide range of non-coding digital skills relevant to today’s job market. These include:
- Digital Marketing
- Project Management Software
- Cloud Platform Navigation
- Data Analysis and Visualisation
- Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software
- Accounting Software Tools
- Graphic Design
- UX/UI Design
These skill sets are designed to enhance employability, encourage digital entrepreneurship, and position Nigeria as a net exporter of skilled talent in the global tech ecosystem.
A Multi-Stakeholder Approach to Execution
The 3MTT initiative is being implemented through a collaborative framework involving
- Government agencies
- Educational institutions
- Development organizations
- Training providers
- Private sector companies like MTN, Airtel, and IHS Towers
Dr. Tijani concluded that as the program scales, deeper partnerships with the private sector will remain essential to unlock more digital opportunities for Nigerian youths and contribute meaningfully to the country’s economic growth.
