The Federal Government of Nigeria has received a N1 billion grant from Airtel Africa Foundation to support its ambitious 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative. The program, spearheaded by the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, is part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategic plan to position Nigeria as a global leader in technology and innovation.
Announcing the grant on Wednesday, Dr. Tijani expressed gratitude to Airtel Africa Foundation for its contribution, noting that the funds will be used to train and empower over 25,000 Nigerians with high-demand technical skills. These include digital marketing, data analysis, project management software, cloud platforms navigation, UX/UI design, and other tech-related competencies.
“This grant will cover hands-on training, community engagement, and job placement initiatives aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s digital workforce in alignment with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” Tijani said. “We are committed to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that Nigerian youths are equipped to lead in the global digital economy.”
Dr. Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of Airtel Africa Foundation, highlighted the organization’s dedication to supporting Nigeria’s economic growth through technology and skill development. “Our N1 billion support is a strategic investment in Nigeria’s future workforce and prosperity,” Ogunsanya stated. He emphasized that the 3MTT program is a bold step toward transforming Nigerian youth into leaders in the digital revolution.
The Airtel Africa grant marks the second major funding boost for the 3MTT program since its inception in 2023. In November 2023, telecom infrastructure company IHS Towers committed another N1 billion to establish learning communities across Nigeria. This funding also included salaries for 37 community managers for three years.
The program initially launched with 30,000 participants, 1% of its target, and later expanded to include an additional 270,000 individuals in its second phase. To achieve its goal of training three million Nigerians, the initiative is being executed in phases with collaboration from government agencies, educational institutions, private sector players, and development organizations.
The 3MTT program is central to the government’s vision of building a robust digital economy. By equipping citizens with critical skills that leverage technology across various roles, the initiative seeks to unlock new opportunities for employment and innovation while driving economic growth.
This partnership highlights Airtel Africa’s commitment to uplifting communities through technology while aligning with Nigeria’s broader economic development goals. As Dr. Tijani noted: “Together, we are working to position Nigeria as a key player in the global technology landscape.”
