Mirian Gom 
MAIDUGURI, Nigeria – More than 18,000 people benefit from a European Union-funded digital skills programme in Borno and Yobe states, marking a major boost to digital inclusion in Nigeria’s conflict-affected North-East.
According to the EU in a statement on Friday, 18,193 individuals receive training under the €750,000 initiative implemented by ZOA International between 2023 and 2026.
The programme targets women, youth and vulnerable groups, aiming to narrow the digital gender gap while strengthening grassroots capacity across 30 communities.
At the closing ceremony in Maiduguri, EU Head of Cooperation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Massimo De Luca, highlighted the importance of inclusive digital development.
“Well-targeted digital investments empower communities and support inclusive economic growth,” he says.
Programme Manager Godwin Dominic reports that the project establishes 32 IT hubs, equips six schools with digital facilities and forms a Digital Literacy Working Group to sustain progress.
The initiative also strengthens civil society organisations, improving community resilience in fragile settings.
The EU says the project aligns with its broader support for Nigeria’s digital transformation, including €45 million for the 3MTT programme and an €820 million Digital Economy Package launched in 2022.
Stakeholders at the event commit to sustaining the infrastructure and skills developed through local ownership and partnerships.
Analysts say the programme demonstrates how digital inclusion can drive economic participation and stability in regions affected by conflict
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