The European Union has concluded a €750,000, three-year digital skills promotion programme that expanded access to technology-driven livelihoods for women, hard-to-reach youth and persons with disabilities in conflict-affected communities of Borno and Yobe states, reaching more than 18,000 beneficiaries.
Implemented by ZOA International between 2023 and 2026, the initiative delivered digital skills training, IT infrastructure and institutional support across 30 communities, targeting the digital gender gap and limited economic opportunities in North-East Nigeria.
Speaking at the programme’s closing ceremony in Maiduguri, the Head of Cooperation at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Massimo De Luca, said the project demonstrated how focused digital investments could drive inclusive and sustainable growth in fragile settings.
He said: “This project shows how well-targeted digital investments can deliver lasting impact by empowering communities, strengthening local institutions, and supporting inclusive economic growth.
“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 that access to digital skills is essential for stability and recovery in conflict-affected regions.
“Digital inclusion is not a luxury; it is a necessity for resilience, innovation, and meaningful participation in today’s economy. For marginalised communities in conflict-affected regions, access to digital skills is essential to stability, opportunity, and long-term recovery.”
De Luca added that the EU’s focus extends beyond training to ensuring real economic outcomes.
“Looking ahead, the European Union wants initiatives like this to translate into real economic value. Our focus is on ensuring that skills, infrastructure, and innovation lead to viable enterprises, job creation, and durable economic resilience within local communities.”
Providing an overview of the outcomes, ZOA Programme Manager, Godwin Dominic, said the intervention recorded measurable community-level impact.
“Over the course of implementation, the programme trained 18,193 individuals, established 32 IT hubs, and supported the formation of a Digital Literacy Working Group to strengthen coordination and sustainability.”
He noted that the project also bolstered digital education in the region saying, “In addition, six schools were capacitated with access to IT services, expanding opportunities for digital learning and skills development across communities 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 initiative for aligning with state development priorities, particularly in expanding opportunities for women and young people.
As the programme comes to an end, the EU, state governments and implementing partners reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the digital infrastructure, skills and institutional capacity developed under the project, with the aim of deepening inclusive economic participation and strengthening community resilience across North-East Nigeria.