MTN Foundation Y’ellopreneur Program 2026 for Nigerian Female Entrepreneurs

Company: MTN Foundation
Location: Nigeria (Nationwide – Including Abia State & 36 Other Locations)
Program Type: Entrepreneurship Development Program
Program Category: Women Empowerment, Business Funding, Capacity Building, SME Development
Application Deadline: Dec 20, 2026
Posted Date: May 23, 2026

Program Overview

The MTN Foundation Y’ellopreneur Program 2026 is now open for applications from eligible female entrepreneurs in Nigeria. This impactful entrepreneurship initiative aims to reduce women unemployment while supporting women-owned businesses, startup growth, SME development, financial inclusion, entrepreneurship training, business funding, and economic empowerment.

The program focuses on strengthening female-led enterprises through capacity building, business skills development, mentorship, equipment financing, grants, and access to capital.

In partnership with the Bank of Industry Limited, the third phase of the initiative introduces a Matching Fund Model worth ₦1 Billion, helping women entrepreneurs expand and sustain profitable businesses across key industries.

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MTN Foundation Y’ellopreneur Program 2026 in Nigeria

The Y’ellopreneur Program is designed for women entrepreneurs seeking support to grow their businesses through entrepreneurship training, startup funding, business mentorship, SME financing, business development services, digital business skills, leadership training, and access to equipment loans.

This initiative is especially suitable for women involved in agriculture, food processing, manufacturing, ICT services, digital innovation, recycling businesses, sustainability projects, waste management, circular economy businesses, and local production industries.

The program has already trained thousands of women entrepreneurs across Nigeria and provided financial support to selected businesses, helping beneficiaries strengthen operations and improve profitability.

Program Objectives

The MTN Foundation Y’ellopreneur Program aims to:

• Reduce unemployment among women in Nigeria
• Promote women entrepreneurship and small business growth
• Strengthen female-owned businesses through skills training
• Improve access to business capital and equipment financing
• Encourage sustainable businesses using locally sourced raw materials
• Enhance innovation, productivity, and job creation

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Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the MTN Foundation Y’ellopreneur Program 2026, applicants must meet the following criteria:

General Requirements

• Must be a female entrepreneur residing in Nigeria
• Must own an active and legally operating business
• Business should have been operational for at least two (2) years
• Must demonstrate commitment to business growth and sustainability

Eligible Business Sectors

Businesses should fall under any of the following sectors:

• Agriculture & Agricultural Processing
• Manufacturing
• ICT & Digital Services
• Waste Management
• Recycling & Circular Economy
• Sustainable Production Businesses
• Businesses using locally sourced raw materials

Applicants involved in agribusiness, food production, technology startups, digital services, green business, recycling solutions, fashion production, local manufacturing, and sustainable enterprises are encouraged to apply.

Program Benefits

Selected participants will receive access to several valuable opportunities, including:

Entrepreneurship Training

• Comprehensive business management training
• Entrepreneurial skill development
• Financial literacy and business planning workshops
• Leadership and enterprise growth sessions

Funding & Financial Support

Participants may receive:

• Equipment Loans ranging from ₦2 Million to ₦3 Million
• Access to business funding support
• Grants available after successful loan repayment
• Financial assistance to scale business operations

Mentorship & Business Advisory

• Professional business advisory support
• Mentorship from experienced professionals
• Guidance on business expansion and sustainability
• Access to growth-focused entrepreneurial networks

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Program Structure

The Y’ellopreneur Program follows a structured selection and development process:

1. Entrepreneurial Training

Approximately 1,000 female entrepreneurs will receive entrepreneurship and business development training.

2. Business Plan Development

Participants will be guided in creating detailed and scalable business plans.

3. Selection Process

Top-performing participants with viable business ideas and strong growth potential will move to the next phase.

4. Funding Opportunities

Selected entrepreneurs will access:

• Equipment loans
• Matching funding support
• Potential grant opportunities

5. Ongoing Advisory Support

Participants receive continued mentorship and support for business sustainability and growth.

Education & Experience Requirements

Education

There is no strict educational qualification requirement, but applicants with backgrounds in:

• Business Administration
• Entrepreneurship
• Finance
• Marketing
• Agriculture
• ICT
• Manufacturing

may have an added advantage.

Experience

Applicants must:

• Have a business operating for at least 2 years
• Show experience managing or running a business
• Demonstrate readiness for business growth and expansion

Funding, Salary & Financial Support

Salary: Not Applicable (Entrepreneurship Program)

Financial Benefits Include:

• Equipment financing worth ₦2M – ₦3M
• Business grants (after repayment stage)
• Access to entrepreneurship development support
• Mentorship and business advisory services

Training & Capacity Building

The MTN Foundation Y’ellopreneur Program provides training in:

• Entrepreneurship development
• Business management
• Startup scaling strategies
• Financial management
• Business planning
• Marketing and branding
• Digital business growth
• Leadership and women empowerment

This opportunity is ideal for aspiring and established female entrepreneurs, startup founders, agribusiness owners, SME operators, ICT innovators, digital entrepreneurs, manufacturing business owners, recycling entrepreneurs, and women-led enterprises seeking business growth support.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should visit the official MTN Foundation Y’ellopreneur Program webpage and complete the application process before the deadline.

Application Deadline: Dec 20, 2026

Apply early to improve your chances of selection and gain access to training, mentorship, business financing, and long-term entrepreneurial growth opportunities in Nigeria.