The MTN Yellopreneur Phase 3 2026 application is now open. The MTN Foundation, along with the Bank of Industry (BOI), invites female entrepreneurs throughout Nigeria to apply for the Yellopreneur Capacity Building Training program. Each shortlisted applicant may receive equipment loans of up to N5 million based on their business plan.
The programme runs a four-week virtual training period, with MTN providing free data throughout. Applications go through the official portal at mtn.ng/foundation/yellopreneur. This article covers who qualifies, eligible business sectors, how the training and loan work, and how to apply today.
What Is the MTN Yellopreneur Capacity Building Training?
The MTN Yellopreneur is a female entrepreneurship empowerment initiative run by the MTN Foundation in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI).
The program focuses on women-owned businesses throughout Nigeria, aiming to decrease female unemployment and enhance women’s economic participation through effective capacity building. Yellopreneur supports female entrepreneurs in two specific ways.
First, it provides structured business training through a four-week virtual programme. Second, it connects shortlisted participants to equipment financing of up to N5 million through the Bank of Industry, Nigeria’s leading development finance institution for industrial and enterprise growth.
Phase 3 of the programme builds on the success of earlier cycles. Specifically, MTN Foundation focuses this edition on businesses that source raw materials locally, supporting import substitution and domestic value chain development in line with Nigeria’s economic priorities.
MTN Foundation and Bank of Industry Partnership
The Bank of Industry (BOI) is the implementing partner for the Yellopreneur loan facility. BOI, established under the Bank of Industry Act, is Nigeria’s oldest and largest development finance institution, providing long-term financing to businesses across the manufacturing, agro-processing, solid minerals, and services sectors. In the Yellopreneur programme, BOI evaluates each applicant’s business plan and determines the loan value up to N5 million for equipment based on the plan analysis.
Who Can Apply for MTN Yellopreneur Phase 3 2026?
The MTN Yellopreneur Phase 3 is open exclusively to female entrepreneurs who meet all of the following conditions:
- Must be a female entrepreneur with a passion for self-employment and business growth
- Must own and actively run an existing business for at least two years at the time of application
- Must be a Nigerian citizen
- The minimum qualification is a Secondary School Certificate
Eligible Business Sectors for Yellopreneur 2026
MTN Foundation accepts applications from female entrepreneurs operating in the following sectors:
- Manufacturing
- Processing
- Agriculture
- Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and digital services
- Financial services
Additionally, the programme prioritizes businesses that source their raw materials locally. Applicants whose businesses depend on imported inputs may have lower chances of selection. Clearly highlight your use of local inputs in your application.
What Is the N5 Million Equipment Loan?
Each shortlisted female entrepreneur will receive an equipment loan of up to N5 million, subject to a business plan analysis conducted by the Bank of Industry (BOI). The loan covers equipment, not cash, meaning BOI procures the specific equipment your business needs based on your approved plan.
The value of the loan awarded to each applicant depends on:
- The quality and clarity of the business plan submitted
- The nature of the business and its equipment requirements
- BOI’s internal evaluation of the plan’s viability
To maximise your loan value, prepare a clear and specific business plan that identifies exactly what equipment your business needs, how it will be used, and how it will generate revenue. Plans that are vague or generic receive lower loan allocations.
How the Yellopreneur Virtual Training Works
After selection, shortlisted applicants will participate in a four-week virtual capacity-building training programme. The training combines two formats: self-paced learning modules that participants can complete at their own time, and instructor-led sessions held on scheduled dates.
MTN Data During Training Period
MTN Foundation provides free data to all participants throughout the four-week training period. Participants do not need to pay for data to access the training sessions or self-paced materials. This removes a major barrier for entrepreneurs in areas with limited data access.
The training covers entrepreneurship skills, business management, financial planning, and sector-specific knowledge relevant to the participants’ industries. Furthermore, participants gain access to a network of fellow female entrepreneurs and BOI’s business development resources.
How to Apply for MTN Yellopreneur Phase 3 2026
Applicants interested in the MTN Yellopreneur Phase 3 for 2026 should submit their applications on the official MTN Foundation portal.
- Visit the Application portal via www.mtn.ng/foundation
- Read and confirm your eligibility criteria before filling out the form.
- Fill in all required fields accurately.
- After that, review all entries and submit. Only shortlisted applicants will receive further communication from MTN Foundation.
Finally, check your registered email address regularly. MTN Foundation contacts shortlisted candidates directly; there is no public shortlist.
Do you have any questions about the MTN Yellopreneur 2026? Please drop your question in the comment box below, and we will respond as soon as possible. If you found this article helpful, please share it with a female entrepreneur who could benefit from this opportunity.
This article is for informational purposes only. Always confirm programme details on the official MTN Foundation website at mtn.ng/foundation/yellopreneur. This blog does not charge any fee for programme listings or application assistance.
