Airtel Nigeria, in partnership with the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy’s 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, has announced the launch of the NextGen by Airtel & 3MTT — a flagship initiative designed to empower Nigeria’s next generation of tech innovators, creators, and problem-solvers.

The NextGen Fellowship marks the next phase of the Airtel × 3MTT partnership, building on the success of previous cohorts to provide advanced digital training, mentorship, and community engagement for thousands of Nigerian youth across 45 learning centres nationwide.

Through this initiative, Airtel continues to champion digital inclusion by leveraging its technology, platforms, and reach to connect young Nigerians to opportunities that accelerate their learning and employability in high-demand tech fields such as software development, data analysis, product design, and digital marketing.

Speaking on the partnership, Dr. ‘Bosun Tijani, Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation & Digital Economy, stated: “The NextGen Fellowship is a demonstration of what public–private partnerships can achieve. 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 NextGen Fellowship will provide immersive learning experiences, real-world projects, and mentorship opportunities through Airtel-supported Applied Learning Centres (ALCs). Fellows will also gain access to exclusive Airtel masterclasses, community showcases, and hackathons designed to nurture innovation and collaboration across Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.

 Building on this shared vision, Dinesh Balsingh, Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Nigeria, added:

“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. The 3MTT initiative driven by the Federal Government of Nigeria through the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy is a powerful demonstration of this vision, Airtel is proud to support this national program. training 25,000 young tech talents across 46 Local government areas in all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory Through the NextGen Fellowship, we are creating real pathways for young Nigerians to learn, innovate, and lead.”

The launch of the NextGen Fellowship follows Airtel’s continued investments in education and youth empowerment, reaffirming its role as a key partner in advancing Nigeria’s National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy (NDEPS).

Applications for the first edition of the NextGen Fellowship by Airtel & 3MTT are now open at www.nextgen.3mttnigeria.com