Young Nigerians can now apply for the Mastercard Foundation and Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB) GATEWAY Program 2026, a digital skills and employability initiative focused on helping participants develop in-demand capabilities and access opportunities in the global gig economy.

The five-year programme targets 400,000 young Nigerians, combining digital skills development with career support, productivity tools, mentorship and pathways into dignified work and gig opportunities.

Participants can train in four key areas: Digital Marketing, Graphic Design, UI/UX Design, and Video Production and Editing.

The programme is designed to equip learners with practical, AI-ready skills that can help them build professional portfolios and pursue digital work opportunities in Nigeria and internationally.

GATEWAY offers two learning pathways based on participants’ existing digital skills and experience.

The Foundations Pathway is intended for beginners who are at the start of their digital skills journey. Learners receive AI-enhanced content and structured support to establish foundational capabilities before progressing towards opportunities to earn from their skills.

The Growth Pathway caters to individuals who already possess some digital skills and want to strengthen their capabilities, develop professional portfolios and prepare for paid work opportunities.

Current GATEWAY learning updates also indicate that participants can access courses through platforms such as Coursera, as part of the programme’s partnership with Google and Coursera.

The programme is currently targeting young Nigerians who want to acquire digital skills and pursue opportunities within the gig economy.

Applicants should be between 18 and 35 years old and possess at least a secondary school certificate. They must also reside in one of the programme’s selected locations: Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Abuja (FCT), Enugu, Kaduna, Kano, Edo, Delta and Rivers.

Applicants are required to have access to a smartphone and be willing to dedicate time to learning and completing programme activities.

Women, persons with disabilities and individuals from underserved communities are particularly encouraged to apply.

Beyond skills training, selected participants can benefit from free digital skills training, AI-enhanced learning content, flexible learning pathways, mentorship and community support.

The programme also provides portfolio development, career and gig-work preparation, productivity tools, support for accessing gig-work platforms, potential access to partner learning hubs, and work tools after completion, subject to programme eligibility.

Participants may also have access to financial services designed for gig workers, as well as post-programme and alumni support.

According to the official GATEWAY platform, eligible learners may also receive general stipends, childcare support and hub access aimed at reducing barriers to participation.

The programme further seeks to connect graduates with local and international gig platforms and support participants in securing dignified gig work within six months of completing the programme.

Interested Nigerians can begin their application through the official GATEWAY registration portal.

The registration process includes identity verification and an eligibility assessment, followed by a computer literacy assessment. Applicants are then required to complete their profiles with information about their interests, learning preferences and goals.

Apply here: GATEWAY Official Application Portal

Applicants are advised to provide accurate personal information and regularly monitor their email accounts for onboarding instructions and programme updates.

The GATEWAY programme is free. The official platform presents it as an initiative providing training and work-enablement support to young Nigerians, with eligible participants receiving learning and support at no cost.

There is currently no confirmed application deadline displayed on the official GATEWAY website.

Programme: Mastercard Foundation/CcHUB GATEWAY Program 2026

Target: Young Nigerians

Age: 18–35

Training: Digital and creative skills

Tracks: Digital Marketing, Graphic Design, UI/UX Design, Video Production & Editing

Cost: Free

Learning: Online/mobile-first with support pathways

Certificate: Programme completion includes certification opportunities

Work Support: Gig-work and career support

Source: msmeafricaonline