The European Union has concluded a €750,000 Digital Skills Promotion Programme that empowered more than 18,000 women, hard-to-reach youth and persons with disabilities across Borno and Yobe States, marking a major step toward inclusive digital transformation and economic opportunity in North-East Nigeria.
The three-year programme, implemented by ZOA International from 2023 to 2026, officially ended with a closing ceremony held in Maiduguri on 4 February 2026. The event brought together representatives of the European Union, implementing partners, civil society organisations and state government officials to review progress, share lessons learned and discuss sustainability of the initiative’s outcomes.
Designed to reduce the digital gender divide and address digital exclusion in fragile and conflict-affected communities, the programme focused on expanding access to digital skills while strengthening the capacity of grassroots civil society organisations in 30 communities across Borno and Yobe States.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Massimo De Luca, said the initiative demonstrated the power of inclusive, people-centred digital investments to deliver lasting impact.
“This project shows how well-targeted digital investments can deliver lasting impact by empowering communities, strengthening local institutions, and supporting inclusive economic growth,” De Luca said. He explained that through the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, the Union is supporting practical digital transformation that responds to local realities and ensures that no one is left behind.
De Luca stressed that digital inclusion is particularly critical in conflict-affected regions, describing it as essential for resilience, innovation and meaningful participation in today’s economy. He added that the EU’s next priority is to ensure that digital skills and infrastructure translate into real economic value, including viable enterprises, job creation and long-term economic resilience within local communities.
Providing an overview of achievements recorded under the programme, ZOA Programme Manager, Godwin Dominic, said the initiative delivered measurable results across its target areas. According to him, a total of 18,193 individuals were trained in digital skills during the implementation period, while 32 IT hubs were established to expand community access to digital tools and services.
Dominic also disclosed that a Digital Literacy Working Group was formed to strengthen coordination and sustainability of digital interventions, while six schools were supported with access to IT services, broadening opportunities for digital learning and skills development in both states.
Representing the Borno State Government, the Executive Secretary of the Borno Information and Communication Technology Development Agency (BICTDA), Engr. Mohammed Kabir Wanori, commended the programme for complementing state development priorities and policies, particularly in creating opportunities for women and youth in the digital economy.
As the programme concluded, partners reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the digital infrastructure, skills and local capacities developed through the initiative, with the goal of ensuring continued inclusive economic participation and community resilience in North-East Nigeria.
