Airtel’s ₦1 Billion Commitment to Nigeria’s 3MTT Program

Airtel Africa has pledged ₦1 billion to support the Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) program. This initiative aims to train and empower over three million Nigerians with technical skills, positioning the nation as a net exporter of talent in the global digital world

Understanding the 3MTT Program

Launched by the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, the 3MTT program is structured as a three-stage model employing the 1%-10%-100% approach. The initial phase, conducted between December 2023 and March 2024, trained 30,000 individuals, representing 1% of the overall target. The second phase, initiated in late February 2024, aims to onboard an additional 270,000 talents, moving closer to the program’s ultimate goal. Notably, the first phase received an overwhelming 1.7 million applications, underscoring the eagerness of Nigerians to acquire technical skills.

Airtel’s Role in Empowering Digital Talent

Airtel’s substantial financial commitment is expected to enhance significantly the reach and effectiveness of the 3MTT program. By investing in the development of technical talent, Airtel is not only contributing to individual empowerment but also strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global digital economy. This collaboration exemplifies the synergy between the public and private sectors in addressing the nation’s digital skills gap.​

Broader Implications for Nigeria’s Digital Economy

The 3MTT program aligns with Nigeria’s broader strategy to foster a robust digital economy. By equipping millions with technical skills, the initiative aims to drive innovation, attract investment, and create employment opportunities. Furthermore, partnerships with organizations like Data Science Nigeria and support from entities such as Google.org have led to the launch of specialized upskilling programs, including the DeepTech_Ready initiative, which focuses on advanced technological competencies.

Airtel’s investment in the 3MTT program highlights the critical role of the private sector in national development. As the program progresses, it is anticipated that such collaborations will yield a more skilled workforce, driving Nigeria’s transition into a leading digital economy.