The European Union has taken a significant step toward promoting women's participation in Nigeria's digital economy with the inauguration of the Women Venture Studio Digital Innovation Hub in Kano.
This new platform, launched on 24 November 2025, aims to strengthen women-led entrepreneurship and innovation in northern Nigeria, marking a crucial advancement in driving economic inclusion in the region.
Empowering Women Through Digital Skills
The innovative hub is designed to provide women entrepreneurs with essential tools for success in today's fast-evolving digital landscape. Participants will gain access to comprehensive training in digital capabilities, sustainable business models, and particularly circular fashion - an approach that combines technology with creativity to build a more competitive female workforce.
During the launch ceremony, Inga Stefanowicz, the Head of Green and Digital Economy at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, praised the initiative as a demonstration of how collaborative partnerships can unlock local innovation potential.
"The European Union is proud to be behind this initiative, but it is the local partners, like the Blue Sapphire Hub, the local women business association, academia and many other women businesses and innovators, who are truly bringing this vision to life," Stefanowicz stated.
Reviving Kano's Textile Heritage
Mariam Lawan Gwadabe, the Lead Partner of the Women Venture Studio, emphasized the hub's connection to Kano's rich textile history while looking toward a digital future. She reflected on the challenging journey to establish the center and the resilience required to bring the project to fruition.
"Kano has long been known as the Manchester of textiles in West Africa. With the Women Venture Studio, our goal is to revive this legacy, using digital technologies and circular economy principles to empower women entrepreneurs in the fashion industry and create sustainable opportunities," Gwadabe explained.
The focus on circular fashion represents a strategic approach to building upon Kano's existing strengths while introducing modern, sustainable business practices that can compete in global markets.
Government Support and Future Vision
The Kano State government has thrown its full weight behind the initiative, with Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo reaffirming the state's commitment to expanding opportunities for women across all sectors.
"Empowering women is not just a policy for us. It is a catalyst for Kano State's digital future," Gwarzo declared. "Our full support for the Women Venture Studio Digital Innovation Hub reflects our commitment to ensuring that women stand at the forefront of innovation, entrepreneurship and lasting economic growth."
The state government has committed to prioritizing women's skills development across all 44 local government areas, recognizing that women's ideas, resilience and leadership will be crucial in shaping a more inclusive and technologically advanced Kano State.
Representing the Digital Transformation Centre Nigeria, Daniel Ritter conveyed Thuweba Diwali's message describing the hub as a strategic investment in inclusive economic growth. He acknowledged the strong collaboration among partners that made the initiative possible.
The Women Venture Studio forms part of the EU's broader digital transformation and private sector development efforts in Nigeria, with the long-term goal of demonstrating how targeted investment in women's innovation can drive sustainable economic growth throughout the country.
