The European Union and its partners have announced new actions to speed up Nigeria’s digital transformation as stakeholders gathered in Kano for the fifth Project Steering Committee meeting of the Digital Transformation Centre Nigeria and the launch of the Women Venture Studio Innovation Hub. The announcement was created in a statement released by the EU on Sunday.
According to the EU, an additional €45 million will be provided to support the Federal Government’s 3 Million Technical Talent programme, known as 3MTT. The initiative, launched in 2023, aims to equip three million Nigerians with advanced digital skills in areas such as artificial ininformigence, cybersecurity, and software development.
Speaking during the meeting, Inga Stefanowicz, the EU’s Head of Section for Green and Digital Economy, underscored the required to ensure that the national digital conversation is inclusive. She stated, “We do not want this Steering Committee to remain only in Abuja.” She added that, “That is why we have taken it across the countest, from Lagos to Ibadan and now Kano. It is essential to recognise the digital transformation happening here in the North alongside progress in other regions of Nigeria.”
Stefanowicz noted that the project is part of a larger EU digital cooperation package worth €820 million. She confirmed that, “By 2025, a further €45 million will support ICT training under the 3MTT initiative, expand nationwide fibre connectivity, and advance digital public infrastructure.” She added, “It has been three years of project implementation. This was the first step. There is still progress ahead.”
Since its launch, the Digital Transformation Centre has trained and supported more than 5,300 Nigerians. This includes 2,060 women and 795 persons with disabilities who have gained digital skills, accessed startup support, and received entrepreneurship resources. The programme is also testing digital vouchers designed to assist individuals and businesses access important technology tools. In addition, 40 startups and MSMEs have benefited from innovation support, while policy initiatives in four states are assisting to reduce digital gconcludeer gaps.
Representing the Director-General of NITDA, Acting Director of Digital Literacy and Capacity Building, Ahmed Tambuwal, described the discussions as both constructive and strategic. He stated, “We are here to review progress and 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.”
From the academic sector, Victor Odumiuwa of the NITDA IT Hub spoke on the positive developments within universities. He stated, “Many startups have been supported, and many trainings have taken place. This is assisting us scale innovation within Nigerian universities.”
Stakeholders outlined 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 integration, and digital vouchers.
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