The European Union has pledged an additional 45 million euros to support ICT training under its Three Million Technical Talent (3MTT) initiative, expand nationwide fibre connectivity, and advance digital public infrastructure.

EU’s Head of Section for Green and Digital Economy, Inga Stefanowicz, announced this during the fifth Project Steering Committee meeting of the Digital Transformation Centre Nigeria and the launch of the Women Venture Studio Innovation Hub in Kano.

The initiative, funded by the EU, BMZ Germany, and the Kingdom of Denmark, and implemented by GIZ Nigeria, brought together representatives from government institutions, academia, and the innovation ecosystem.

According to the EU, the gathering marked an important milestone in extending digital development efforts across more regions of the country.

She stressed the importance of ensuring that the digital conversation remains national, not limited to one part of the country.

“We do not want this Steering Committee to remain only in Abuja. That is why we have taken it across the country, from Lagos to Ibadan and now Kano. It is important to recognise the digital transformation happening here in the north alongside progress in other regions of Nigeria,” she stated.

Stefanowicz explained that the project forms part of a broader EU digital cooperation package valued at 820 million euros.

She said, “It has been three years of project implementation. This was the first step. There is still progress ahead.”

According to her, since its commencement, the Digital Transformation Centre has provided training and support to more than 5,300 Nigerians, including 2,060 women and 795 persons with disabilities.

She added that beneficiaries have gained digital skills, access to start-up support, and entrepreneurship resources.

The envoy noted that the programme is also piloting digital vouchers to help more individuals and businesses obtain essential technology.

She noted that, in addition, 40 start-ups and MSMEs have received innovation support, while policy initiatives in four states are contributing to the reduction of digital gender gaps.

Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Kashifu Inuwa, said the agency was committed to a digital economy that works for everyone, especially women and persons with disabilities.

Inuwa, who was represented by the Acting Director of Digital Literacy and Capacity Building, Dr Ahmed Tambuwal, described the discussions as constructive and strategic.

He said, “We are here to review progress and to chart the way ahead. We have identified gaps and aligned priorities. Inclusion remains a commitment. We want a digital economy that works for everyone, especially women and persons with disabilities.”

A representative of the NITDA IT Hub, Victor Odumiuwa, reflected on the positive effects within the university system.

He said, “Many start-ups have been supported, and many training sessions have taken place. This is helping us scale innovation within Nigerian universities.”

Looking forward, stakeholders agreed on key objectives for the next phase, including training an additional 5,800 young people, expanding green and digital skills programmes, strengthening ICT employability pathways, and scaling interventions such as mentorship, job market integration, and digital vouchers.

As the EU-Nigeria partnership continues to advance, the Digital Transformation Centre is demonstrating the results that coordinated international cooperation can deliver for national development.

With a strong focus on inclusion, the shared ambition is a digital economy where women, youth, and persons with disabilities are fully supported to contribute to a more innovative, resilient, and competitive Nigeria.

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