The European Union (EU) has successfully concluded a three-year digital skills programme aimed at empowering women, hard-to-reach youth, and persons with disabilities in Borno and Yobe States, advancing inclusive digital transformation and economic opportunities in the region.

The initiative sought to bridge the digital gender divide and reduce exclusion, while building community-level capacity in fragile and conflict-affected areas.

At the closing ceremony in Maiduguri, Massimo De Luca, Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, highlighted the programme’s focus on inclusive, people-centred digital development.

“This project demonstrates how targeted digital investments can create lasting impact—empowering communities, strengthening local institutions, and supporting inclusive economic growth. Through the Global Gateway strategy, the EU is promoting practical digital transformation that responds to local needs and leaves no one behind,” he said.

De Luca stressed the importance of digital inclusion in conflict-affected regions, noting that it is essential for resilience, innovation, and meaningful participation in the global economy.

“For marginalized communities, access to digital skills is key to stability, opportunity, and long-term recovery.”

He added that the EU’s goal is for such initiatives to translate into real economic value, creating jobs, viable enterprises, and sustainable local economic resilience.

Godwin Dominic, Programme Manager at ZOA, provided an overview of the programme’s achievements:

• Trained 18,193 individuals
• Established 32 IT hubs
• Formed a digital literacy working group to strengthen coordination and sustainability
• Equipped six schools with IT services to expand digital learning opportunities

Representing the Borno State Government, Mohammed Kabir Wanori, Executive Secretary of the Borno Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (BICTDA), commended the programme for aligning with state development priorities and enhancing opportunities for women and youth.

As the programme concludes, partners reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the digital infrastructure, skills, and local capacity developed, ensuring continued support for inclusive economic participation and community resilience in North-East Nigeria.

Funded by the EU with €750,000 and implemented by ZOA International from 2023 to 2026, the initiative reached 30 communities across Borno and Yobe, significantly narrowing the digital gender gap and enhancing grassroots civil society capacity.