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EU Wraps Up €750,000 Digital Skills Programme Boosting Inclusion in North-East Nigeria By Comfort Chukwukelue The European Union (EU) has concluded its three-year Digital Skills Promotion Programme aimed at advancing inclusive digital transformation and economic opportunities for women, hard-to-reach youth, and persons with disabilities in Borno and Yobe States. The programme, which ran from 2023 to 2026, was funded by the European Union with €750,000 and implemented by ZOA International. It focused on reducing the digital gender divide, addressing digital exclusion, and strengthening the capacity of grassroots civil society organisations in 30 communities across the two states. A closing ceremony held in Maiduguri on 4 February 2026 brought together representatives of the European Union, implementing partners, civil society organisations, and state government officials to review achievements and lessons learned. Speaking at the event, the Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Massimo De Luca, said the initiative demonstrated the impact of inclusive and people-centred digital investments. “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. He noted that the programme aligns with the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which prioritises practical digital transformation tailored to local realities. “Digital inclusion is not a luxury; it is a necessity for resilience, innovation, and meaningful participation in today’s economy,” he added, stressing that access to digital skills is critical for marginalised communities in conflict-affected regions. De Luca further explained that the EU is focused on ensuring digital skills initiatives translate into sustainable economic outcomes, including job creation and enterprise development within local communities. Providing an overview of the programme’s outcomes, ZOA Programme Manager, Godwin Dominic, said the initiative recorded significant achievements. “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,” Dominic said. He added that six schools were also equipped with access to IT services, expanding digital learning and skills development opportunities across 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 digital opportunities for women and youth. As the programme comes to an end, stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the digital infrastructure, skills development, and local capacity built through the initiative, to ensure continued support for inclusive economic participation and community resilience in North-East Nigeria.