Young Nigerians can now apply for the Mastercard Foundation and Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB) GATEWAY Program 2026, a digital skills and employability programme designed to help participants build in-demand skills and access opportunities in the global gig economy. The five-year GATEWAY programme aims to train 400,000 young Nigerians and connect participants with opportunities for dignified work, combining digital skills training with career support, productivity tools, mentorship, and pathways to gig work.
Key Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Age: Be between 18 and 35 years old.
- Education: Have at least a secondary school certificate.
- Location: Reside in one of the programme's selected locations: Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Abuja (FCT), Enugu, Kaduna, Kano, Edo, Delta, or Rivers.
- Access: Have access to a smartphone.
- Commitment: Be willing to commit time to learning and completing programme activities.
Women, persons with disabilities, and people from underserved communities are particularly encouraged to participate.
Training Areas
Participants choose from four digital skill areas: Digital Marketing, Graphic Design, UI/UX Design, and Video Production and Editing, through two learning pathways: the Foundations Pathway for beginners, and the Growth Pathway for those with existing skills looking to build portfolios and prepare for paid opportunities.
Enjoying this article? Share it with your network!
Programme Benefits
- Free digital skills training with AI-enhanced learning content.
- Flexible learning pathways and mentorship and community support.
- Portfolio development and career and gig-work preparation.
- Access to productivity tools and support accessing gig-work platforms.
- Potential access to partner learning hubs.
- Financial services designed for gig workers.
- Post-programme and alumni support.
- Eligible learners may also receive general stipends, childcare support, and hub access to reduce barriers to participation.
The programme also aims to connect graduates to local and international gig platforms and support participants in securing gig work within six months of completing the programme.
How to Apply
Applicants begin through the GATEWAY registration portal, which includes identity verification, an eligibility check, and a computer literacy assessment, followed by completing a profile with interests, learning preferences, and goals. The programme is free. No confirmed deadline is currently displayed on the official GATEWAY website.
Disclaimer
Edfrica shares opportunities for informational purposes only. Results and outcomes are not guaranteed.
