The Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy has opened applications for organisations and individual experts to join the 3MTT Delivery Network, with about ₦4 billion earmarked to support verified outcomes in Cohorts 5 and 6.
The network brings together the organisations and experts who train Nigerians in digital and technical skills under the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme. Their goal is to help more Nigerians gain the skills employers need and move into jobs, freelance work or their own businesses.
Cohort 5 is funded by the European Union and Denmark through the GIZ Digital Transformation Center Nigeria, HAUS and ESTDEV. The MacArthur Foundation also adds a grant through Blue Sapphire Hub.
The funding follows a results-based model, which changes how 3MTT works. Earlier cohorts focused on growing the number of people trained. Building on those lessons, Cohort 5 ties training to real, evidenced demand, and money flows only when results are verified. The Ministry says this strengthens the path from skills to jobs at every step.
Dr ‘Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, said reaching three million technical talents requires a delivery ecosystem “responsive to industry demand, accessible across communities and built to scale.” He said tying support to verified demand strengthens the link between skills, jobs and economic opportunity.
Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said Nigeria is building national infrastructure “that funds results, not just training.” He added that the partnership under the Global Gateway is only the beginning.
How the network works
Every application goes through a membership review. Accepted members join as Enabled Delivery Partners. Those selected for Cohort 5 funding join as Funded Delivery Partners.
Read also: FG launches 3MTT impact challenge to track jobs outcomes
Funded Delivery Partners are organisations with verified demand, such as open roles in their own teams or placements with their clients. They submit their talent needs, help select the Fellows matched to those roles, and receive financing against verified results. This links training directly to jobs.
Enabled Delivery Partners form the base of the network. They include organisations and individual experts who train people, with or without a physical space. They help build shared national standards and credentials. They also get access to the 3MTT Talent Operating System, the National Talent Registry, insights on the roles and skills employers want, and device financing and resources from partners, subject to eligibility. Together, the two tracks expand training capacity, respond more directly to industry talent needs, and give more organisations a way to contribute to Nigeria’s digital workforce agenda.
Since 2023, more than 1.8 million Nigerians have registered on the 3MTT platform. The programme has trained 179,000 Fellows across four cohorts and the DeepTech programme. Counting its wider community resources and opportunities, more than 300,000 Nigerians have benefited. More than 200 partner organisations have helped deliver it across all 36 states and the FCT.
The Ministry now invites employers, funders, technology companies, state governments and research organisations to join the wider 3MTT Partner Network as the programme works towards its three million target.
How to apply
Organisations and individual experts, in Nigeria and abroad, can apply at delivery.3mtt.gov.ng. Funding applications for Cohort 5 can come from one organisation or a consortium, and an organisation registered and operating in Nigeria must lead them. They close at 23:59 WAT on Monday, November 30, 2026. Membership of the network stays open, and the Ministry reviews new applications every quarter.
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Last updated: November 12, 2026
