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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The European Union (EU) and its partners have announced new steps to accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation as stakeholders convened in Kano for the 5th Project Steering Committee meeting of the Digital Transformation Centre (DTC) Nigeria and the launch of the Women Venture Studio Innovation Hub.
The initiative, funded by the EU, BMZ Germany and the Kingdom of Denmark, and implemented by GIZ Nigeria, brought together representatives from government institutions, academia and the innovation ecosystem, and also marked an important milestone in extending digital development efforts across more regions of the country.
Speaking at the meeting, the EU’s Head of Section for Green and Digital Economy, Inga Stefanowicz, stressed the importance of ensuring that the digital conversation remains national, not limited to one part of the country.
She said: “We do not want this steering committee to remain only in Abuja.That is why we have taken it across the country, from Lagos to Ibadan and now Kano. It is important to recognise the digital transformation happening here in the north, alongside progress in other regions of Nigeria.”
Stefanowicz explained that the project forms part of a broader EU digital cooperation package valued at £820 million, and also confirmed that soon, an additional £45 million will be provided to support ICT training under the 3MTT initiative, expand nationwide fibre connectivity and advance digital public infrastructure. “It has been three years of project implementation. This was the first step. There is still progress ahead.”
She noted that since its commencement, the DTC has provided training and support to more than 5,300 Nigerians, including 2,060 women and 795 persons with disabilities. “Beneficiaries have gained digital skills, access to start-up support and entrepreneurship resources.
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“The programme has also piloted digital vouchers to help more individuals and businesses obtain essential technology. In addition, 40 start-ups and MSMEs have received innovation support, while policy initiatives in four states are contributing to the reduction of digital gender gaps,” she added.
Director General of NITDA, who was represented by the Acting Director of Digital Literacy and Capacity Building, Dr. Ahmed Yusuf Tambuwal, described the discussions as constructive and strategic.
“We are here to review progress and to chart the way ahead. We have identified gaps and aligned priorities. Inclusion remains a commitment. We want a digital economy that works for everyone, especially women and persons with disabilities.”
Dr. Victor Odumiuwa of the NITDA IT Hub reflected on the positive effects within the university system. “Many start-ups have been supported, and many trainings have taken place. This is helping us scale innovation within Nigerian universities.”
The stakeholders, however, agreed on key objectives for the next phase, including training an additional 5,800 young people, expanding green and digital skills programmes, strengthening ICT employability pathways and scaling interventions such as mentorship, job market integration and digital vouchers.
They stated that the DTC is demonstrating the results that coordinated international cooperation can deliver for national development, adding that with a strong focus on inclusion, the shared ambition is a digital economy where women, youths and persons with disabilities are fully supported to contribute to a more innovative, resilient and competitive Nigeria.
