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In line with the Federal Government’s National Digital Economy and SME Development agenda, the MTN Foundation has commenced the seventh phase of its ICT Business Skills onboarding programme, targeting 6,000 microbusiness owners nationwide.
The virtual training programme, which began on Monday, January 5, 2026, is designed to help aspiring and existing microbusiness owners’ transition from paper-based operations to simple digital tools that enhance productivity, efficiency, and growth.
The session was facilitated by business analyst Babajide Jolaolu-Kehinde and moderated by the Programme and Partnerships Lead, Temiloluwa Oyekanmi. During the training, participants were introduced to the SWOT framework, Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats, to enable them to assess their businesses critically and prioritise areas requiring improvement.
Jolaolu-Kehinde emphasised the importance of digital record-keeping, the adoption of online payment solutions and effective customer data tracking as key drivers of sustainable business growth.
He noted that these practices align with broader government efforts to formalise and scale small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria, stressing that while hope is important, growth is driven by deliberate action and efficient systems.
Trainers also demonstrated how traders who previously relied on handwritten records expanded their customer base by embracing digital tools such as WhatsApp, online marketplaces, and basic spreadsheet applications.
Other examples included accepting mobile transfers instead of cash payments and using digital order channels to reach customers beyond their immediate locations. A major focus of the discussion was the limitations of manual operations. According to the facilitators, paper-based records restrict visibility into sales performance and customer behaviour, while digital tools provide real-time insights, reduce errors and enable access to wider markets beyond local communities.
At the end of the onboarding session, participants were encouraged to implement at least one digital improvement in their businesses. Organisers also confirmed plans for follow-up workshops and mentorship sessions to ensure sustained SME growth and contribute to Nigeria’s long-term economic development objectives. The training programme is expected to continue for another four weeks.
(LEADERSHIP)
