No fewer than 18,193 individuals have benefited from a European Union (EU)-funded digital skills training programme implemented across Borno and Yobe states in North-East Nigeria.
The initiative was designed to reduce the digital gender gap, tackle digital exclusion among vulnerable groups, and strengthen community-level capacity in fragile and conflict-affected areas.
The programme’s closing ceremony, held in Maiduguri, brought together key stakeholders, including representatives of the European Union, implementing partners, civil society organisations, and state government officials.
The event provided an opportunity to review achievements and share lessons learned, according to a statement released by the EU on Friday.
Funded with €750,000 by the European Union and implemented by ZOA International from 2023 to 2026, the programme focused on expanding access to digital skills, narrowing the digital divide, and strengthening grassroots civil society organisations in 30 communities across Borno and Yobe states.
Speaking at the event, the Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Massimo De Luca, underscored the programme’s people-centred and inclusive approach to digital development.
“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.
ZOA Programme Manager, Godwin Dominic, presented an overview of the project’s achievements, revealing that 18,193 individuals were trained, 32 IT hubs were established, and a Digital Literacy Working Group was created to improve coordination and ensure sustainability.
He also disclosed that six schools were equipped with IT services, expanding access to digital learning and skills development for students in the two states.
The programme has contributed significantly to inclusive economic participation and community resilience in North-East Nigeria, with partners pledging to sustain the digital infrastructure, skills, and local capacity developed through the initiative.
The EU has continued to demonstrate strong commitment to Nigeria’s digital transformation, including €45 million invested to support the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme and expand nationwide fibre connectivity, as well as an €820 million Digital Economy Package launched in 2022 to boost connectivity, digital skills, entrepreneurship, and digital governance.
