MTN invests over N68m in Nigerian startups through grants

Technology firm, MTN is set to invest in Nigerian-owned businesses through a campaign – ‘MTN Pulse BlowMyHustle’, which aims to economically empower Nigerian youths involved in scalable businesses. The firm will be investing over N68 million in the project.

Report has it that ‘Side hustles’ amongst Nigerian youths have become prevalent compared to previous generations.

According to a 2019 Geo Poll, side hustles have become fast-rising, with Nigeria leading the pack at 44.4 per cent, followed by Kenya at 40.8 per cent.

This report sampled youths from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda and Tanzania, and found some of the major side hustles include agriculture, entertainment, ICT, online business, logistics, and food and beverage sectors, among others.

As such, at the MTN Pulse launch event in Lagos, Chief Marketing Officer, MTN Nigeria, Adia Sowho, said “The ‘hustle spirit’ amongst Nigeria’s young people is truly inspiring as they are innovative and entrepreneurial.

MTN is here to support that ‘hustle’ so that their dreams can become reality. Young business owners have told us what they need, and with MTN Pulse Blow My Hustle, we will share business skills from experts in relevant fields and create access to financial grants. We look forward to the transformation that this initiative will propel.”

Sowho said the campaign is geared towards further building entrepreneurial skills amongst Nigerian youths and providing them with the right principles to excel in various business industries.