Quick Summary: Airtel Africa Foundation has donated N1 billion to support Nigeria’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program. This initiative, led by the government, aims to equip 3 million Nigerians with in-demand digital skills. Airtel’s funding will train over 25,000 people, providing hands-on learning and job placement support. This marks a major step in positioning Nigeria as a global tech talent hub.
Nigeria’s journey toward digital transformation has gained significant momentum, thanks to a major commitment from Airtel Africa Foundation. The telecom giant has announced a N1 billion donation to support the Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, aimed at equipping Nigerians with essential tech skills.
A Landmark Commitment
The official announcement was made during a handover ceremony in Abuja, where Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, received the donation from Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of Airtel Africa Foundation.
“This partnership is more than just a donation,” said Tijani. “It’s a significant step toward building a workforce equipped for the global digital economy.”
What Is the 3MTT Program?
Launched in 2023 as part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the 3MTT initiative is Nigeria’s most ambitious effort to close the digital skills gap. The program aims to train 3 million Nigerians in high-demand digital skills, including:
- Data analytics
- UI/UX design
- Project management
- Software development
Beyond training, the initiative also connects participants with job opportunities in both local and international markets.
How Will Airtel’s Grant Be Used?
The N1 billion donation from Airtel Africa will directly fund the training of over 25,000 Nigerians, providing:
- Hands-on learning experiences
- Community-based engagement programs
- Job placement support
According to Minister Tijani, this investment aligns with the government’s long-term vision for a robust and inclusive digital economy.
Airtel Africa’s Vision for Nigeria’s Digital Future
Airtel Africa’s commitment to the 3MTT program goes beyond corporate social responsibility (CSR) — it’s a strategic investment in Nigeria’s digital future.
“We believe in the power of digital skills to unlock opportunities, drive innovation, and elevate communities,” said Dr. Ogunsanya. “Our support is about helping Nigeria build a future-ready workforce, not just to participate in the digital economy, but to lead it.”
Private Sector Support Grows
Airtel Africa is not the first major company to back the 3MTT program. In November 2023, IHS Towers also pledged N1 billion, funding 37 dedicated learning community managers across the country for three years.
The program initially onboarded 30,000 Nigerians in its first cohort and expanded to 270,000 in its second, bringing total participation to 10% of its target.
Key Skills Taught in the 3MTT Program
The program offers a diverse range of tech-enabled skills, ensuring participants are job-ready. These include:
- Digital Marketing & SEO
- CRM & Accounting Software
- Data Analysis & Visualization
- Project Management Tools
- Graphics & UX/UI Design
- Cloud Platform Navigation
Looking Ahead: Nigeria’s Digital Future
With continued investments from both the public and private sectors, the 3MTT program is becoming more than just a training initiative — it’s evolving into a nationwide movement to unlock Nigeria’s digital potential.
As the government collaborates with stakeholders across industries, one thing is certain: Nigeria is not just preparing for the digital future — it is actively building it.
