Airtel Nigeria has launched the NextGen by Airtel & 3MTT Fellowship, a major expansion of its partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, aimed at accelerating digital skills training for Nigeria’s youth.
The initiative will train 25,000 young Nigerians across 46 local government areas in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, marking a significant scale-up in the telecom giant’s commitment to youth empowerment and digital inclusion.
The NextGen Fellowship represents the next phase of the Airtel × 3MTT collaboration, building on previous cohorts to deliver advanced training in high-demand tech fields including software development, data analysis, product design, and digital marketing through 45 learning centres nationwide.
“The NextGen Fellowship is a demonstration of what public–private partnerships can achieve,” said Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Nigeria’s Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy. “Airtel’s commitment to this vision is helping us unlock the potential of Nigerian talent at scale — ensuring that the skills we are building today are relevant for the digital economy of tomorrow.”
The fellowship will provide participants with immersive learning experiences, real-world projects, and mentorship through Airtel-supported Applied Learning Centres (ALCs). Fellows will also access exclusive Airtel masterclasses, community showcases, and hackathons designed to foster innovation and collaboration across Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
Dinesh Balsingh, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Nigeria, emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative: “With this NextGen fellowship, under the 3MTT initiative, we are not just powering connectivity, we are reaffirming our belief that Nigeria’s youth are the true architects of our digital future.”
Airtel is leveraging its technology infrastructure, platforms, and extensive network reach to connect young Nigerians to opportunities that enhance their employability in the rapidly evolving tech sector. The move aligns with the company’s broader investments in education and youth empowerment, supporting Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS).
The launch comes as Nigeria continues to position itself as a major tech hub in Africa, with increasing demand for skilled digital talent across the continent. By training thousands of youth in practical tech skills, the partnership aims to bridge the talent gap while creating pathways for innovation and entrepreneurship.
Applications for the first edition of the NextGen Fellowship by Airtel & 3MTT are now open, with interested candidates able to apply through the programme’s official channels.
The initiative underscores the growing role of private sector collaboration in advancing national digital transformation goals, with telecom operators like Airtel playing an increasingly active role in skills development beyond traditional connectivity services.
