By Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The European Union (EU) has concluded its Digital Skills Promotion Programme targeting women, hard-to-reach youth and persons with disabilities, marking the end of three years of targeted support aimed at advancing inclusive digital transformation and economic opportunities in Borno and Yobe states.

The initiative was designed to reduce the digital gender gap and address digital exclusion among vulnerable groups, while strengthening community-level capacity in fragile and conflict-affected contexts.

The programme’s closing ceremony, held in Maiduguri on February 4, 2026, brought together key stakeholders, including representatives of the European Union, implementing partners, civil society organisations and state government officials, to review achievements and share lessons learned.

Funded by the European Union with €750,000 and implemented by ZOA International from 2023 to 2026, the programme focused on expanding access to digital skills, narrowing the digital divide and strengthening the capacity of grassroots civil society organisations across 30 communities in Borno and Yobe states.

Speaking at the event, the Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Massimo De Luca, highlighted the programme’s emphasis on inclusive, people-centred 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. “Through the Global Gateway strategy, the European Union is backing practical, people-centred digital transformation that responds to local realities and leaves no one behind.”

He stressed the importance of digital inclusion in conflict-affected regions, noting that access to digital skills is essential for resilience, innovation and meaningful participation in today’s economy.

“Digital inclusion is not a luxury; it is a necessity for stability, opportunity and long-term recovery, especially for marginalised communities in conflict-affected areas,” he added.

De Luca also said the EU’s future focus would be on translating digital skills and infrastructure into tangible economic outcomes, including job creation, viable enterprises and sustainable local economies.

Presenting an overview of the programme’s achievements, ZOA Programme Manager, Godwin Dominic, said the initiative recorded significant results across target communities.

“During implementation, the programme trained 18,193 individuals, established 32 IT hubs and supported the formation of a Digital Literacy Working Group to enhance coordination and sustainability,” Dominic said.

He added that six schools were also equipped with access to IT services, broadening opportunities for digital learning and skills development in Borno and Yobe 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 aligning with state development priorities and strengthening opportunities for women and youth.

As the initiative concludes, partners reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the digital infrastructure, skills and local capacity built through the programme, ensuring its long-term contribution to inclusive economic participation and community resilience in North-East Nigeria.

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