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EU Launches New Innovation Hub to Boost Women’s Role in Nigeria’s Digital Economy

Prime Highlight

  • The Women Venture Studio Digital Innovation Hubin Kano State will support women-led entrepreneurship, digital skills, and economic inclusion across northern Nigeria.
  • The initiative combines technology, enterprise development, and circular fashionto help women build sustainable and competitive businesses.

Key Facts

  • The hub is backed by the EU in partnership with local organizations, including Blue Sapphire Hub and women’s business associations, leveraging Kano’s historic role in trade and creativity.
  • The project forms part of the EU’s broader strategy to promote digital transformation and private-sector growthin Nigeria, particularly for MSMEs.

Background

The European Union has launched a new initiative to support women’s participation in Nigeria’s digital economy with the opening of the Women Venture Studio Digital Innovation Hub in Kano State. The centre is designed to speed up women-led entrepreneurship, digital skills, and economic inclusion across northern Nigeria.

Unveiled last week, the hub aims to act as a platform where women can gain skills, expand networks, and access new markets in a fast-growing digital economy. The project blends technology, enterprise development and circular fashion to help women build sustainable and competitive businesses.

At the event, Inga Stefanowicz, Head of Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said strong partnerships can help local innovation. She stressed that while the EU is backing the project, the real impact will come from local partners, including Blue Sapphire Hub, women’s business associations, and innovators.

She added that Kano’s long-standing role as a centre of creativity and trade makes it a natural home for the new hub.

Mariam Lawan Gwadabe, Lead Partner of the Women Venture Studio, described the launch as the result of years of dedication and collaboration. She highlighted the hub’s circular fashion component, which aims to revive Kano’s historic textile legacy using digital tools and sustainable practices.

The Digital Transformation Centre Nigeria said the hub marks another step in building a strong support system for MSMEs in the region.

Kano State Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo endorsed the initiative, saying the state is committed to empowering women across all sectors and ensuring they play a central role in the state’s digital future.

The Women Venture Studio is part of the EU’s broader plan to support digital transformation and private-sector growth in Nigeria.