Nigeria’s digital transformation journey just received a powerful boost — courtesy of Airtel Africa Foundation. In a landmark move, the telecoms giant has committed N1 billion to support the Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, a flagship program aimed at training and placing Nigerians in high-demand tech roles.
The announcement was made official when Dr. Bosun Tijani, Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, received the donation from Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of Airtel Africa Foundation, during a handover ceremony in Abuja.
What’s the 3MTT All About?
Spearheaded by Dr. Tijani and backed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the 3MTT program is Nigeria’s boldest step yet to close the digital skills gap and position the country as a tech talent hub in Africa and beyond.
The initiative, launched in 2023, aims to train 3 million Nigerians in cutting-edge digital skills — from project management to data analytics and UI/UX design — and connect them to job opportunities in both local and global markets.
How Will Airtel’s Grant Be Used?
According to the Minister, Airtel’s contribution will directly fund the training of over 25,000 Nigerians, offering not just technical instruction but also:
- Hands-on learning
- Community-based engagement
- Job placement support
“This partnership is more than a donation,” Tijani said. “It’s a significant step toward building a workforce that’s equipped for the demands of the global digital economy.”
He added that the investment aligns perfectly with the government’s long-term vision for a robust, inclusive digital economy.
Why Airtel Is Betting Big on Nigeria’s Tech Talent
For Airtel Africa, this move reflects more than CSR — it’s a strategic investment in Nigeria’s 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.”
Not the First — And Likely Not the Last
This isn’t the first time the 3MTT program has received major private sector backing.
In November 2023, telecom infrastructure company IHS Towers pledged another N1 billion, including funding for 37 dedicated learning community managers across the country for a period of three years.
The program started by onboarding 30,000 Nigerians in its first cohort and scaled up with another 270,000 in its second, pushing participation to 10% of its target.
What Skills Are Being Taught?
The 3MTT program doesn’t just train coders — it equips Nigerians with a wide range of practical, tech-enabled skills that are immediately relevant in today’s job market. These include:
- Digital Marketing & SEO
- CRM & Accounting Software
- Data Analysis & Visualization
- Project Management Tools
- Graphics & UX/UI Design
- Cloud Platform Navigation
The Road Ahead
As the government continues to co-create this initiative with partners from across the private sector, academia, and development agencies, one thing is clear: Nigeria isn’t waiting to be part of the digital future — it’s actively building it.
With sustained investments like Airtel’s, the 3MTT program is shaping up to be more than just a training initiative — it’s a nationwide movement to unlock Nigeria’s digital potential.
