The United Kingdom government, through its Digital Access Programme, has teamed up with Blue Sapphire Hub to expand digital literacy and inclusion across rural communities in Northern Nigeria. The partnership targets underserved populations by using storytelling, digital influencers, and community-driven approaches to close the digital gap and unlock new economic opportunities.
At a high-level stakeholder event in Abuja, government officials, development partners, innovators, and media representatives reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening digital adoption in the region. Discussions focused on practical strategies to position technology as a tool for equality and progress.
Stakeholders agreed to scale digital literacy programmes by deploying trained digital influencers who will champion safe and inclusive technology use in rural communities. They also pledged support for local innovators and startups through structured mentorship and funding, enabling them to develop solutions tailored to community-specific challenges. Policy recommendations were also produced to integrate digital safety and inclusion into state-level development plans, ensuring long-term sustainability of the initiative.
Commending the programme, Dr. Mukhtar Abdu, National Coordinator of the Presidential Initiative for Unlocking the Healthcare Value Chain (PVAC), described mentorship as a powerful catalyst for youth development. “Many youths have creativity and ambition, but without guidance they struggle to navigate the digital landscape. Fasahar Zamani is a timely initiative that provides the support, safe spaces and direction they need to adopt technology confidently,” he said.
Also speaking, Mujina Kaindama, Head of Trade Policy and Market Access at the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, emphasised the power of storytelling in driving policy and social change. “This initiative demonstrates how storytelling can drive policy and inspire action. We are proud to support efforts that promote digital inclusion and create opportunities for all,” she noted.
A key highlight of the event was the premiere of a 12-part short film series developed under the Accelerating Digital Adoption in Northern Nigeria initiative. The series tells compelling, story-driven accounts of how technology can solve everyday challenges and uplift livelihoods.
Reflecting on the impact of the project, Founder of Blue Sapphire Hub, Maryam Lawan, said: “Fasahar Zamani has sparked meaningful conversations about bridging the digital divide. The stories shared tonight reflect the resilience and creativity of Northern Nigeria and the immense potential of technology to empower communities.”
The collaboration signals a renewed commitment to fostering digital skills, strengthening community resilience, and ensuring that no one is left behind in Nigeria’s growing digital economy.