From Digital Skills to Economic Opportunity: 5,112 Women and Girls Reached in August

The Agenda-WINNIG project, focused on addressing the gender digital divide and expanding business opportunities for women and girls in Northern Nigeria, recorded its strongest monthly performance in August 2026. Across Kano, Bauchi, Itas and Jama’are, the project conducted 73 training sessions, reaching 5,112 women and girls—more than four times the adjusted monthly target of 1,223. This represents a surplus of 3,889 participants, bringing cumulative participation from May to August to 9,889, or 65.9% of the 15,000 end-of-project target.

Kano recorded the largest reach, delivering 50 sessions across 50 communities and training 3,152 participants. Training covered numerous LGAs, including Bichi, Sumaila, Gezawa, Rogo, Garko, Kura, Wudil, Minjibir, Makoda, Doguwa, Bagwai, Shanono and Ajingi. Bauchi conducted 12 sessions, reaching 870 participants, while expanding into 10 new LGAs, including Ningi, Ganjuwa, Warji, Misau, Darazo, Kirfi, Alkaleri, Bogoro and Tafawa Balewa. Itas delivered three sessions and reached 314 participants across Itas, Gamawa and Gulmo. Jama’are reached 776 participants through eight sessions across five LGAs—Danbam, Katagum, Shira, Jama’are and Giade. At Federal College of Education (FCE) Jama’are, three concurrent cohorts reached 383 participants, the highest single-venue attendance recorded by the project.

The training strengthened participants’ computer and smartphone operation, internet navigation, professional email communication, video conferencing, digital safety and hygiene, scam and phishing awareness, privacy protection, digital marketing and online business skills. Participants also gained experience using digital platforms for education and livelihood activities. In Kano, the project additionally supported participants to open bank accounts and receive data allowances digitally, contributing to financial inclusion.

Participant feedback highlighted increased confidence in using computers, smartphones and online learning platforms. Participants in Kano and Bauchi particularly valued the practical, hands-on nature of the training and its relevance to everyday life and business activities. Several participants began applying digital tools to their businesses, including social media marketing and online customer engagement.

Several approaches contributed to the strong performance. Participatory and hands-on learning proved effective across locations, while Kano adapted training pace, used Hausa extensively and split sessions when attendance exceeded capacity. Itas grouped participants according to skill levels, enabling more targeted support, while Bauchi’s concurrent-session model expanded geographic coverage. The use of hard- and soft-copy training manuals in Kano also helped participants continue learning despite connectivity challenges.

The month also produced notable outcomes in financial inclusion, business application, behavioural change and rural digital inclusion. Women who previously lacked bank accounts were supported to access formal financial services, while participants demonstrated greater awareness of online fraud and expressed plans to use digital tools for business promotion and agricultural activities. The expansion into underserved LGAs further strengthened the project’s contribution to reducing the gender digital divide in Northern Nigeria.