Apply Now: Mastercard/CcHUB Gateway Programme 2026 for Young Nigerians
Young Nigerians seeking to build practical digital skills and prepare for opportunities in the global gig economy can now apply for the 2026 GATEWAY Programme.
This is an initiative of the Mastercard Foundation in partnership with Co-Creation Hub (CcHUB).
The five-year programme is designed to equip young people with digital, creative and business skills that can improve their access to sustainable work, including freelance, remote and gig-economy opportunities. The programme particularly seeks to support women, persons with disabilities and other underserved groups.
The GATEWAY initiative combines skills training with employability preparation, portfolio development, mentorship and support designed to help participants move from learning to earning.
Skills Available
Participants can develop skills in several high-demand areas, including:
- Digital Marketing
- Graphic Design
- UI/UX Design
- Video Production and Editing
The programme also provides training in areas such as general gig work, business management and financial management, helping participants understand how to position their skills, work with clients and build sustainable income streams.
For example, GATEWAY’s Digital Marketing and UI/UX learning currently includes access to industry-relevant training through its partnership with Google and Coursera.
Who Can Apply?
The programme is targeted at young Nigerians between 18 and 35 years old living in the participating locations.
Applicants are generally expected to:
- Be between 18 and 35 years old;
- Have at least secondary school education;
- Possess basic digital literacy;
- Reside in one of the participating locations;
- Have access to a smartphone;
- Be willing to commit time to learning and completing programme activities.
The participating locations include Abuja (FCT), Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Enugu, Kaduna, Kano, Edo, Delta and Rivers States.
Women, persons with disabilities and young people from underserved communities are particularly encouraged to apply.
Two Learning Pathways
GATEWAY is structured around different learning levels.
The Foundation Pathway is designed for beginners who want to develop digital skills from the ground up, while the Growth Pathway is intended for participants who already possess relevant skills and want to strengthen their capabilities and prepare for paid digital work.
The learning is designed to be flexible and self-paced, allowing participants to balance training with work, education or other commitments. Current GATEWAY guidance encourages learners to focus not only on completing courses but also on practising their skills, developing portfolios and preparing for earning opportunities.
What Participants Stand to Gain
Successful participants can benefit from:
- Free digital and creative skills training;
- AI-enhanced learning resources;
- Practical assignments and portfolio development;
- Training in freelancing and gig work;
- Business and financial management skills;
- Mentorship and peer networking;
- Career and employability support;
- Preparation for local and international digital opportunities;
- Access to partner learning hubs where available.
The programme’s broader goal is to help young Nigerians translate digital skills into dignified work and sustainable income opportunities.
Participants who face challenges with reliable electricity, internet connectivity or access to suitable learning devices may also receive support through partner hubs, subject to programme arrangements and availability.
How to Apply
Interested and eligible Nigerians can begin their application through the official GATEWAY registration portal.
Applicants will be required to verify their identity, complete an eligibility check, take a computer-literacy assessment and provide information about their interests, learning preferences and goals.
Application Portal: GATEWAY Programme Official Registration Portal
Applicants are advised to use only the official GATEWAY/CcHUB platform and avoid paying anyone who claims to offer guaranteed admission or placement.
The programme is designed to go beyond certificates by helping participants learn, practise, build portfolios and prepare for real opportunities to earn in the digital economy.
