Mastercard/CCHub Digital Skills Gateway Program 2026

The GATEWAY Program by Mastercard Foundation and CcHUB is now accepting applications from young Nigerians interested in building digital skills and accessing opportunities in the global gig economy.

The programme is designed to train and support young Nigerians with practical, AI-enhanced digital skills that can help them secure freelance, remote, and gig-work opportunities both locally and internationally.Program Title: GATEWAY Program 2026

Organizers: Mastercard Foundation & CcHUB

About the Program:

The GATEWAY Program is a five-year initiative focused on helping young Nigerians build sustainable careers in the digital economy through practical skills training, mentorship, portfolio development, and gig-work readiness support.

The programme aims to train over 400,000 young Nigerians and connect participants with dignified earning opportunities in the global gig economy.

Training is AI-enhanced, mobile-first, flexible, and designed to help participants become employable and competitive in the digital workforce.

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Available Skill Tracks:

1. Graphic Design
2. Digital Marketing
3. UI/UX Design
4. Video Production & Editing

Program Structure:

The programme offers two learning pathways:Foundation Pathway (6 Months)
Growth Pathway (3 Months)

The training is primarily online and self-paced, allowing participants to learn while balancing work, school, or NYSC commitments.

Participants are expected to commit at least 7–10 hours weekly.

What Participants Will Learn:

• Practical digital skills in selected tracks
• AI tools for productivity and creative work
• Portfolio development
• Gig-work and freelancing skills
• Client communication and professionalism
• Financial literacy and income management
• Pricing, contracts, and business management
• Online work etiquette and safety
• Mentorship and community learning support

Benefits:

1. Access to global-standard digital skills training
2. AI-enhanced learning curriculum
3. Mentorship from experienced professionals
4. Gig-readiness and employability support
5. Portfolio and project development
6. Access to local and international opportunities
7. Community and alumni support networks
8. Possible access to work tools and support hubs
9. Exposure to freelance and remote work opportunities

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Eligibility Requirements:

Applicants must:

1. Be between 18 and 35 years old
2. Reside in:

• Abuja (FCT)
• Lagos
• Ogun
• Oyo
• Enugu
• Kaduna
• Kano
• Edo
• Delta
• Rivers

3. Have basic digital literacy
4. Possess at least secondary school education

The programme prioritizes women, persons with disabilities, and underserved communities.

Device Requirements:

• A smartphone is required
• A laptop is strongly recommended

Eligible learners without stable internet, power, or computer access may receive structured support through partner learning hubs.

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Important Information:

The programme is completely free
No registration fees
No training fees
No certification fees
No hidden charges

Gig & Career Support:

Participants will receive support in:

• Building portfolios
• Finding gig opportunities
• Learning how to pitch clients
• Pricing services
• Retaining freelance clients
• Becoming globally competitive in the digital economy

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. Do I need prior experience to apply?

No. Prior experience is not required.

The programme has two pathways:

Foundation Pathway:

• Designed for beginners starting from scratch
• Open only to women

Growth Pathway:

• Designed for participants who already have some digital skills and want to improve further
• Open to both men and women

2. Is the program really free?

Yes. The GATEWAY Program is completely free.

There are:

• No registration fees
• No tuition fees
• No certification charges
• No hidden payments

3. Can I learn at my own pace?

Yes. The training is primarily self-paced and flexible.

Participants can:

• Learn from anywhere
• Study during evenings or weekends
• Combine the program with work, school, or NYSC
• Progress within the provided timelines

4. Will the program help me get jobs or gigs?

Yes. The programme is designed to improve employability and gig readiness through:

• Portfolio building
• Mentorship
• Practical projects
• Career support
• Gig-readiness training
• Exposure to opportunities and networks

While placement is not guaranteed, participants who actively complete the training and build strong portfolios will be significantly more competitive in the digital job market.

5. What tools or devices do I need?

• A smartphone is required
• A laptop is highly recommended

Participants without reliable internet, power, or devices may receive support through partner hubs depending on need and engagement.

• Scholarship Alerts/JOB UPDATES: To receive Scholarship/Available Job Alerts on WhatsApp, Click HERE

6. What makes the GATEWAY Program different?

The programme combines:

• Technical skills training
• AI-enhanced learning
• Gig economy preparation
• Mentorship
• Financial literacy
• Portfolio development
• Access to career opportunities

The focus is not just learning skills, but learning how to earn from them sustainably.

How to Apply:

Apply through the official portal below:

Apply Here for the GATEWAY Program