By Ayomide Otitoju
The MTN Foundation, in partnership with the Bank of Industry (BOI), has opened applications for the third phase of its Y’ellopreneur programme, a ₦1 billion matching-fund initiative aimed at supporting women-led businesses across Nigeria.
The programme, implemented through the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University, is designed to provide female entrepreneurs with access to financing, capacity building, mentorship, and business advisory services.
The latest edition targets women-led micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), with a focus on enabling participants to scale their operations and build sustainable businesses across various sectors.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos, the First Lady of Lagos State, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, represented by Oyinlola Agoro, said the initiative would help move women from the margins of the economy to the centre of industrial growth by providing access to skills, funding, and networks.
Chairman of MTN Foundation, Mosun Olusoga, described the programme as a critical tool for nation-building, noting that empowering women entrepreneurs contributes to economic stability and community development. She announced that the ₦1 billion fund would provide equipment financing for 200 women to scale their businesses.
Representing the Managing Director of BOI, Olasupo Olusi, Executive Director of MSME at the bank, Oluwatoyin Ahmed Edu, said the initiative aligns with the bank’s priorities of promoting gender inclusion, MSME growth, and financial inclusion.
Executive Director of MTN Foundation, Odunayo Sanya, added that the programme is structured to deliver measurable impact by equipping women with the tools needed to build resilient enterprises that contribute to Nigeria’s economy.
The launch event also featured a panel discussion on strengthening support systems for women entrepreneurs, with contributions from policymakers, development experts, and industry stakeholders.
Applications are open to women entrepreneurs in sectors including agriculture, energy, ICT, fashion, waste management, and manufacturing, as the organisers seek to expand opportunities for women-led businesses nationwide.
