The Federal Government has joined forces with the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) to launch a N100 million grant for participants of the long-anticipated 3MTT Nigeria program. The announcement, made by Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, is already sending waves across the tech and startup ecosystem.
The initiative, which kicks off in May 2025, is designed to provide financial lifelines to startups and small businesses founded or run by fellows of the 3MTT (Three Million Technical Talent) program. Dr. Tijani described the grant as a “strategic intervention” that not only supports entrepreneurship but also directly aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s ambitious vision of building a $1 trillion Nigerian economy.
Unlike loans, these grants are non-repayable and aim to eliminate the financial barriers that often hold back brilliant ideas. Dr. Tijani noted that Nigeria is filled with young minds buzzing with innovation, yet funding remains a major hurdle. This new partnership bridges that gap by linking technical skills development with direct financial empowerment.
“This is more than just money, it’s about building a future where our youth can innovate, create jobs, and export solutions globally,” Dr. Tijani said. He added that this grant program reflects the kind of public-private synergy that can drive sustainable national growth, praising DBN’s involvement as a model for impactful collaboration.
Already, thousands of young Nigerians have been actively searching for updates on 3MTT funding, DBN grants, and federal youth support programs. This announcement offers real hope for many who have been waiting for tangible support to bring their startup dreams to life.
The grant scheme is focused on promoting innovation, job creation, and long-term sustainability. Selected fellows will be expected to scale their businesses, solve local challenges, and potentially expand beyond Nigeria’s borders. Experts believe this fund could serve as a catalyst for a new wave of tech-driven MSMEs across the country.
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This latest development builds on the Ministry’s earlier promise to create a thriving digital economy where skilled young Nigerians are empowered not just with knowledge, but also with the capital needed to succeed. Dr. Tijani hinted that more partnerships and funding opportunities are on the way, signaling a broader commitment to deepening Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem.
With the next batch of 3MTT applications on the horizon, the announcement has sparked renewed interest in the program. Many are optimistic that similar grants will soon be rolled out across other federal youth and innovation initiatives.
As Nigeria positions itself as a digital powerhouse in Africa, the launch of the N100 million 3MTT grant marks a major step forward, one that could redefine the future for thousands of ambitious young entrepreneurs ready to shape the nation’s tech future.