About this opportunity
The GATEWAY Program , an initiative of the Mastercard Foundation and CcHUB, is accepting applications from young Nigerians interested in developing practical digital skills and accessing opportunities in the global gig economy. The programme is designed to equip young Nigerians with AI-enhanced digital skills, mentorship, portfolio development and gig-work readiness, helping participants build sustainable careers in the digital economy.
About the GATEWAY Program GATEWAY is a five-year initiative that aims to train more than 400,000 young Nigerians and connect participants to dignified earning opportunities in the global gig economy. The programme combines technical training with practical career support, helping participants not only learn digital skills but also understand how to turn those skills into income through freelance, remote and gig-work opportunities.
Available Skill Tracks Participants can choose from: Graphic Design Digital Marketing UI/UX Design Video Production and Editing
Programme Structure
The programme offers two learning pathways: Foundation Pathway – 6 months Designed for beginners starting from scratch Open only to women Growth Pathway – 3 months Designed for participants who already have some digital skills and want to improve Open to both men and women Training is primarily online and self-paced , allowing participants to combine the programme with work, school or NYSC commitments. Participants are expected to commit approximately 7–10 hours per week .
What Participants Will Learn The programme covers: Practical digital skills AI tools for productivity and creative work Portfolio development Freelancing and gig-work skills Client communication Professionalism and online work etiquette Financial literacy Pricing and contracts Business management Online safety Career development Benefits Selected participants will have access to: Free digital skills training AI-enhanced learning Professional mentorship Practical projects and portfolio development Gig-readiness and employability support Financial literacy training Exposure to local and international opportunities Community and alumni networks Support for freelance and remote work Possible access to work tools and partner learning hubs
Eligibility
Applicants must: Be between 18 and 35 years old Reside in Abuja (FCT), Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Enugu, Kaduna, Kano, Edo, Delta or Rivers State Have basic digital literacy Have at least a secondary school education The programme particularly encourages applications from women, persons with disabilities and underserved communities . Device Requirements Applicants should have: A smartphone A laptop is strongly recommended Participants who lack reliable internet, electricity or computer access may receive support through partner learning hubs, depending on availability and
Eligibility
Is the Programme Free? Yes.
The GATEWAY Program is completely free . There are no: Registration fees Tuition fees Certification fees Hidden charges Gig and Career Support Participants will also receive guidance on: Building professional portfolios Finding freelance and gig opportunities Pitching potential clients Pricing digital services Managing and retaining clients Becoming competitive in the global digital economy While participation does not guarantee employment, the programme is designed to improve participants’ skills, portfolios and readiness for digital work opportunities.
Application steps
Interested young Nigerians can apply through the official GATEWAY Program website. Apply here: GATEWAY Program Application Portal
Who can apply
- Eligibility Requirements Applicants must: Be between 18 and 35 years old Reside in Abuja (FCT), Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Enugu, Kaduna, Kano, Edo, Delta or Rivers State Have basic digital literacy Have at least a secondary school education The programme part
Sources and verification
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