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 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 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.
How to Apply
Interested young Nigerians can apply through the official GATEWAY Program website using the Link provided 👉 Here
