MTN Y’ellopreneur 2026: How Female Entrepreneurs in Nigeria Can Access N3 Million in Funding

MTN Y’ellopreneur 2026

Are you a female entrepreneur in Nigeria looking for funding, business training, and a supportive network to scale your business? The MTN Y’ellopreneur initiative is back in 2026 — and applications are now open.

Launched by the MTN Foundation Nigeria in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI), the Y’ellopreneur program is one of Nigeria’s most impactful empowerment initiatives for women in business. This year, the program is backed by a N1 billion matching fund — making it bigger and more accessible than ever before.

If you run a business and want to take it to the next level, read on — applications close April 20, 2026.

What Is the MTN Y’ellopreneur Initiative?

The MTN Y’ellopreneur initiative is a capacity-building and funding program designed specifically for Nigerian female entrepreneurs. The initiative was first launched in 2022 as a pilot and has since trained thousands of women across the country in business management, financial planning, and entrepreneurship fundamentals.

In its current phase (Y’ellopreneur 3.0), the program is powered by a N1 billion BOI-MTN Foundation Matching Fund — providing women-led businesses with unprecedented access to capital and support.

What Do Participants Get?

Selected participants can benefit from a structured, multi-stage program that includes:

• Free 4–5 week virtual entrepreneurial skills and masterclass training (1,000 women)
• Business plan development and coaching support
• Equipment loans of up to N3 million for shortlisted entrepreneurs
• 2.5% flat interest rate with a 6-month moratorium and 36-month repayment plan
• 25% of the loan value returned as a grant upon full repayment
• Advisory and support services for long-term business sustainability
• Access to the N1 billion BOI-MTN matching fund (Y’ellopreneur 3.0)

This is not just a loan program — it is a full business transformation journey

Who Can Apply for MTN Y’ellopreneur 2026?

The program targets Nigerian female entrepreneurs who are passionate about growing their businesses. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:

Businesses should be looking to scale operations, expand markets, or improve productivity

Be a female entrepreneur residing in Nigeria

Own or run an existing business for at least 2 years

Operate in sectors such as: Agriculture, Manufacturing & Processing, Circular Economy, ICT/Digital Services, Waste Management, Hospitality, Retail, Logistics, Health, or Education

Businesses that source raw materials locally are given priority

Must be self-motivated and committed to self-employment

How to Apply for MTN Y’ellopreneur 2026

Applying is simple and completely online. Follow these steps:

• Step 1: Visit the official application portal: www.mtn.ng/yellopreneur
• Step 2: Complete the online registration form with accurate business details
• Step 3: Submit your application before the deadline
• Step 4: Await notification from MTN Foundation if shortlisted for training

Application Deadline: April 20, 2026. Do not wait until the last minute — apply today!

The Y’ellopreneur Program Stages — What to Expect

Once you apply and are selected, here is what your Y’ellopreneur journey looks like:

• Stage 1 – Training: Entrepreneurial skills training for 1,000 female entrepreneurs (4–5 weeks, virtual)
• Stage 2 – Business Plan: Development and presentation of a bankable business plan
• Stage 3 – Funding: Equipment loan support of up to N3 million for selected entrepreneurs
• Stage 4 – Advisory: Follow-up business guidance and advisory support for sustainability
• Stage 5 – Repayment & Grant: Seamless loan repayment process; 25% of loan returned as grant upon full repayment

Why Every Nigerian Female Entrepreneur Should Apply

The Y’ellopreneur program addresses two of the biggest barriers facing women in business in Nigeria: skills gaps and access to capital. Here is why it stands out:

Nationwide reach — open to businesses across all 6 geopolitical zones of Nigeria

Backed by reputable institutions — MTN Foundation Nigeria and Bank of Industry (BOI)

N1 billion matching fund — the largest version of the program yet

Flexible loan terms — low 2.5% flat interest, 6-month moratorium, 3-year repayment window

Free training — no cost to apply or attend the virtual masterclass

Proven track record — over 4,711 women trained since 2022, N94M+ in equipment loans disbursed

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the MTN Y’ellopreneur program free to apply?

Yes. There is absolutely no application fee. The training is also provided at no cost to selected participants.

Do I need to be in Lagos to apply?

No. The program is open to female entrepreneurs across all states in Nigeria and training is conducted virtually.

What sectors are eligible?

Is the MTN Y’ellopreneur program free to apply?

Yes. There is absolutely no application fee. The training is also provided at no cost to selected participants.

Do I need to be in Lagos to apply?

No. The program is open to female entrepreneurs across all states in Nigeria and training is conducted virtually.

What sectors are eligible?

Agriculture, manufacturing, processing, ICT/digital services, circular economy, waste management, retail, hospitality, logistics, health, and education sectors are all eligible — provided the business has been operating for at least 2 years.

When is the deadline?

The application deadline is April 20, 2026. Apply at www.mtn.ng/yellopreneur.

Apply Now — Don’t Miss This Opportunity

The MTN Y’ellopreneur 2026 initiative is more than funding — it is a launchpad for women who are ready to build sustainable, thriving businesses. Whether you are in agriculture, fashion, tech, logistics, or any other sector, this program was built for you.

Take the next step today. Visit www.mtn.ng/yellopreneur to register before April 20, 2026.

Share this post with a female entrepreneur in your network — you could be helping someone change their life.