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MTN Y’ellopreneur Programme Opens to Empower Female Entrepreneurs in Nigeria

Apr 4, 2026Oshanaiye Iyanuoluwa3 min readNigeria
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MTN Foundation and Bank of Industry partner to equip women with skills and funding opportunities to scale their businesses.

Female entrepreneurs in Nigeria now have a powerful opportunity to grow and scale their businesses as the MTN Foundation, in collaboration with the Bank of Industry, has opened registration for the MTN Y’ellopreneur programme.

Designed to empower women with practical business skills and access to funding opportunities, the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen women-led enterprises and drive inclusive economic growth across the country.

The MTN Y’ellopreneur programme is a flagship initiative by the MTN Foundation aimed at supporting female entrepreneurs at different stages of their business journey.

Through this programme, participants will gain access to structured training designed to enhance their business knowledge, improve operational efficiency, and position their ventures for sustainable growth.

The collaboration with the Bank of Industry adds a critical financial component to the initiative, ensuring that participants not only acquire skills but also have opportunities to access funding to expand their businesses.

This dual approach—combining capacity building with financial support—addresses two of the biggest challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

What the Programme Offers

The MTN Y’ellopreneur initiative is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive support system, including:

  • Business and entrepreneurship training

  • Access to funding opportunities

  • Mentorship and guidance

  • Tools to scale and sustain their businesses

By focusing on both knowledge and financial empowerment, the programme aims to create long-term impact rather than short-term support.

Focus on Female Entrepreneurship

Women entrepreneurs play a vital role in Nigeria’s economy, contributing significantly to job creation, innovation, and community development. However, many face barriers such as limited access to funding, inadequate training, and restricted market opportunities.

The MTN Y’ellopreneur programme directly addresses these challenges by creating a platform tailored specifically for women.

Through this initiative, the MTN Foundation and the Bank of Industry aim to:

  • Strengthen women-led businesses

  • Promote financial inclusion

  • Encourage entrepreneurship among women

  • Support economic empowerment

Why This Matters for Nigerians

Empowering female entrepreneurs has a ripple effect on the broader economy. When women succeed in business, they:

  • Create jobs

  • Support families and communities

  • Drive innovation and productivity

Initiatives like the MTN Y’ellopreneur programme contribute to building a more inclusive and resilient economy by ensuring that women have the tools and resources needed to succeed.

For Nigeria, where small and medium-sized enterprises play a crucial role in economic development, supporting women entrepreneurs is not just beneficial—it is essential.

Opportunities to Take Advantage Of

The MTN Y’ellopreneur programme presents a unique opportunity for women to:

  • Gain practical business skills

  • Access funding to expand operations

  • Build networks with other entrepreneurs

  • Receive mentorship from industry experts

For many participants, this could be the turning point that transforms their businesses from small ventures into scalable enterprises.

How to Apply

Interested applicants can register for the programme through the official website

Here are steps to guide you:

1. Visit the Official Portal
Go to the registration page and review the programme details.

2. Complete Your Application
Provide accurate information about your business and experience.

3. Prepare Your Business Details
Ensure you have a clear description of your business, including its goals and impact.

4. Submit Early
Early applications can improve your chances of being selected.

The launch of the MTN Y’ellopreneur programme by the MTN Foundation in partnership with the Bank of Industry marks another significant step toward empowering women in business.

By combining training, mentorship, and funding opportunities, the initiative provides a holistic approach to supporting female entrepreneurs.

For women ready to take their businesses to the next level, this is more than just a programme it is an opportunity to grow, scale, and succeed in today’s competitive market.

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