The 3MTT Programme
The 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme, a critical part of the Renewed Hope agenda, is aimed at building Nigeria’s technical talent backbone to power our digital economy and position Nigeria as a net talent exporter. Joining the 3MTT community can be a powerful experience for anyone looking to build skills, grow a career, or even start a business. But the path isn’t just about showing up—it’s about making the most of what the community offers, engaging with others, and carving out your own unique path. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making effective use of 3MTT to go from learning and surviving to creating real impact.
Step 0: Learn Everything Possible, and Keep Learning
In the beginning, your most important task is to learn. Absorb all the information, insights, and skills you can from the community. Use the Online learning channels effectively, attend your mandatory weekly meetups, attend ensuing workshops, join discussions, ask questions, and make learning a constant habit. There’s always more to discover, and being open to continual growth is a foundation for any progress you’ll make here. This “beginner’s mindset” isn’t just a starting point—it’s a mindset to carry with you through every stage of growth.
Step 1: Cash Flow – Survive
In light of the present state of the Nigerian economy, it’s crucial to have a steady income to sustain yourself, especially as you’re building up. Quickly obtain tech skills that can provide simple solutions and start with simple projects that you can handle to pay the bills. Explore options like setting up an online store with a CMS or open source, taking on simple video projects, designing simple websites, or using low-code/no-code platforms for mobile app development. You can even pick up remote work on content management on platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Freelancer, TopTal etc.
The goal is simple: create a sustainable cash flow that lets you focus on the work you’re passionate about without financial stress.
Step 2: Thrive in the Community
Now that you’re gaining experience and building skills, start defining your unique identity in the 3MTT community. Think about how you can contribute and what you stand for. Are you a design whiz, a tech enthusiast, or someone who’s great at organizing projects? By building your own brand, you create a reputation that can open doors for bigger projects and partnerships. The goal here is to have people recognize your strengths and remember you for the value you bring.
An easy way to thrive in the community is to actively participate in the periodic community challenges.
Step 3: Do Free Work, Gain Experience
Experience is a powerful asset, and sometimes the best way to gain it is by volunteering or taking on work that may not pay but that can help build your skills and reputation. Look for internships, participate in other people’s projects, or volunteer in government or developmental projects. Every bit of experience helps you build a portfolio, sharpen your skills, and increase your credibility within the community. This stage can also bring invaluable networking opportunities as you work with and learn from others.
Step 4: Collaborate with Peers on Great Ideas
The 3MTT community is filled with talented, creative people. Take advantage of that by collaborating with peers on ambitious projects. Share ideas, brainstorm, and sacrifice some time to bring a shared vision to life. Taking on a leadership role, organizing the team, and being part of the execution are valuable skills that will serve you well. These collaborative efforts not only produce something meaningful but also build deeper relationships within the community.
Step 5: Define Big Projects and Pursue Them with Small Steps
Think big! Start imagining larger projects that align with your long-term goals. Break down these big ideas into manageable steps and start making progress one small step at a time. Whether it’s a tech product, a creative venture, or an impactful service, creating a step-by-step plan helps make ambitious projects feel achievable. This approach keeps you moving forward and helps you stay focused, even when the big picture seems overwhelming.
Step 6: Get Funding
Once you have a concrete project or prototype, it’s time to seek out funding to bring it to the next level. This can be through participating in hackathons, conferences, trade fairs, or pitching to investors. Showcasing your prototype or initial work helps demonstrate the potential of your idea and builds your confidence as you learn to communicate your vision. Funding can be a game-changer, allowing you to expand your project, hire a team, or invest in the resources needed to succeed.
Step 7: Scale
As your project gains traction, it’s time to think about the long-term path you want to take. Do you want to create a business that sells to consumers (B2C), other businesses (B2B), or even governments (B2G)? At this stage, you’ll be thinking more about your role as an entrepreneur, professional, or even leader within the community. Scaling means defining your goals and the impact you want to have, which could be in business, a career, or governance.
Step 8: Make Real Impact
This is the moment when all your hard work starts making a difference in the lives of others. Whether your impact is on your clients, your community, or society at large, this is what you’ve been working towards. Real impact is about using the skills, relationships, and resources you’ve developed to bring meaningful change. This stage is incredibly rewarding, as you see how your work influences the world around you.
Step 9: Start Again at Step 0
Once you’ve made an impact, it’s tempting to rest on your accomplishments. But the most successful people never stop growing. Go back to Step 0, with a commitment to keep learning, to keep growing, and to keep striving for even greater achievements. The world is constantly changing, and the best way to stay relevant and impactful is to keep improving and evolving.
3MTT offers you a place to grow, contribute, and create. By following these steps, you can make the most of this vibrant community, turning your ideas and ambitions into reality while learning, earning, and impacting others along the way. This journey is one of constant reinvention, and with every cycle, your reach and impact will only grow. Enjoy the journey—success is a path, not a destination.