The GATEWAY Digital Skills Program 2026 is accepting applications from young Nigerians who want to build practical digital skills and prepare for opportunities in the global gig economy.
However, the programme is an initiative of the Mastercard Foundation and CcHUB. It offers digital training, AI tools, mentorship, portfolio development and career support. Most importantly, participation is completely free.
For more digital skills and training opportunities, visit OpportunityLab.net.
What is the GATEWAY Digital Skills Program?
The GATEWAY Program is a five-year initiative designed to train more than 400,000 young Nigerians and connect participants with dignified earning opportunities in the digital economy.
Therefore, participants can learn practical skills and discover how to turn those skills into freelance, remote and gig-work opportunities.
Who is Eligible to Apply for the GATEWAY Digital Skills Program?
Applicants must:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Live in one of the eligible Nigerian states.
- Have basic digital literacy.
- Have at least a secondary school education.
The programme especially encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities and underserved communities.
What Country or Region is Eligible?
The programme is for young Nigerians living in:
- Abuja (FCT)
- Lagos
- Ogun
- Oyo
- Enugu
- Kaduna
- Kano
- Edo
- Delta
- Rivers
Therefore, applicants outside these locations may not qualify for this particular cohort.
You can find more opportunities for Nigerians on OpportunityLab.net.
What Does the Training Cover?
Participants can choose from four main digital skill areas:
- Graphic Design
- Digital Marketing
- UI/UX Design
- Video Production and Editing
In addition, the training covers AI tools, freelancing, client communication, financial literacy, pricing, contracts, business management, online safety and career development.
What Documents or Requirements are Needed?
The information provided does not list a specific set of application documents.
However, applicants should have access to:
- A smartphone.
- A reliable internet connection where possible.
- A laptop, which is strongly recommended.
However, those without reliable internet, electricity or computer access may receive support through partner learning hubs, depending on availability and eligibility.
What are the Learning Pathways?
There are two pathways.
Foundation Pathway
This pathway lasts six months. It is designed for beginners who are starting from scratch.
The Foundation Pathway is open only to women.
Growth Pathway
This pathway lasts three months. It is designed for people who already have some digital skills and want to improve them.
Both men and women can apply for this pathway.
Training takes place mainly online and is self-paced. As a result, participants can combine it with school, work or NYSC commitments.
Participants should expect to spend about 7–10 hours per week.
When is the Application Deadline?
The information provided in the announcement does not state a closing date. Applications are currently open.
Therefore, applicants are encouraged to apply through the official GATEWAY platform.
How do I Apply for the GATEWAY Digital Skills Program?
Eligible applicants should apply through the official GATEWAY Program application platform.
Before applying, confirm your age, location and preferred learning pathway. Then select the digital skill track that matches your interests and career goals.
Because spaces may be limited, eligible applicants should apply as early as possible.
Benefits of the GATEWAY Digital Skills Program?
Selected participants can receive:
- Free digital skills training
- AI-enhanced learning
- Professional mentorship
- Practical projects
- Portfolio development
- Freelancing and gig-work training
- Financial literacy
- Career development support
- Client communication skills
- Exposure to local and international opportunities
- Community and alumni networking
- Support for remote and freelance work
- Possible access to work tools and partner learning hubs
Also, participants can also learn how to price their services, pitch clients and manage freelance work.
However, completing the programme does not guarantee employment. Instead, it is designed to improve participants’ skills, portfolios and readiness for digital work.
The GATEWAY Digital Skills Program 2026 is a strong opportunity for young Nigerians who want to build practical digital skills without paying tuition.
