By Mercy Adi
The European Union has trained 18,193 women, hard-to-reach youths and persons with disabilities in Borno and Yobe states under a €750,000 digital inclusion programme completed in February 2026.
The three-year intervention, implemented by ZOA International from 2023 to 2026, also led to the establishment of 32 Information Technology hubs and the strengthening of digital learning facilities in six schools across 30 communities in the two insurgency-affected states.
Speaking at the programme’s closing ceremony in Maiduguri on February 4, the Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Massimo De Luca, said the initiative demonstrated the impact of targeted digital investments in fragile regions.
“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 stated that digital inclusion remained critical to stability and long-term recovery in conflict-affected areas.
“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,” he added.
De Luca further said the EU would prioritise ensuring that digital skills translate into economic value, enterprise development and job creation within host communities.
Providing details of the outcomes, ZOA Programme Manager, Godwin Dominic, said beyond training 18,193 beneficiaries, the programme supported the formation of a Digital Literacy Working Group to enhance coordination and sustainability.
“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 equipped with IT services to expand digital learning opportunities across the benefiting communities.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Borno Information and Communication Technology Development Agency, Engr. Mohammed Kabir Wanori, said the initiative complemented the state government’s digital development priorities and strengthened opportunities for women and youths.
The partners pledged to sustain the infrastructure, skills and institutional capacity developed under the programme to ensure continued inclusive economic participation in the North-East.