MTN, a telecommunications multinational company is set to invest in Nigerian owned businesses through a campaign themed ‘MTN Pulse BlowMyHustle’. This move is to economically empower Nigerian youths involved in scalable businesses. The investment is directed at Nigerian ‘Side Hustle’ strictly by Nigerian youths, which ranks highest among other African countries.
‘Side Hustles’ amongst Nigerian youths have become the order of the day compared to past generations. According to a 2019 Geo Poll, side hustles have become fast-rising, with Nigeria leading the pack at 44.4 percent, followed by Kenya at 40.8 percent.
Youths from Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda and Tanzania, were used as samples in the report and it was discovered that some of the major side hustles are agriculture, entertainment, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), online business, logistics, and food and beverage sectors, among others.
Speaking at the MTN Pulse launch event, Chief Marketing Officer of 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.”
According to MTN, the campaign is aimed at further building entrepreneurial skills amongst Nigerian youths and providing them with the right principles to excel in various business industries.
The shortlisted 100 candidates of the initiative will have access to virtual training on Business Management, Digital Marketing, Financial Literacy, Investment Strategies, Business Legal Requirements, Elevator Pitches, amongst others; and candidates will be assigned tasks after each class.
Top 20 candidates will be selected based on performance after the two-week training as finalists who will present their business ideas to a panel of judges, engage in a brief question and answer session before they finally get the money.
