Tech hub launches venture studio for women entrepreneurs in 3 NW states

The Blue Sapphire Hub has unveiled the Women Venture Studio Digital Innovation Hub (WVSDIH), a pioneering initiative designed to empower women entrepreneurs in fashion manufacturing and the creative sector across northwestern Nigeria. The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Association of Northern Women Entrepreneurs (ANWE) and Northwest University Kano, with sponsorship from the […]

The Blue Sapphire Hub has unveiled the Women Venture Studio Digital Innovation Hub (WVSDIH), a pioneering initiative designed to empower women entrepreneurs in fashion manufacturing and the creative sector across northwestern Nigeria.

The initiative is being implemented in partnership with the Association of Northern Women Entrepreneurs (ANWE) and Northwest University Kano, with sponsorship from the European Union (EU) and GIZ through the Digital Transformation Center.

Speaking at the launch, the founder and CEO of Blue Sapphire Hub, Maryam Lawan Gwadabe, said the project was conceived to provide women with a safe and enabling environment where they can thrive.

She said the initiative is designed to run in Kano, Katsina and Sokoto states with a view to promoting women economic empowerment and selfreliance.

“We named it Women Venture Studio to ensure women feel comfortable in a safe space. Our mentors are successful women entrepreneurs who listen, guide, and support participants,” she explained.

Gwadabe noted that the studio offers both physical and virtual spaces, ensuring inclusivity for women restricted by cultural norms.

She added that the program conducts digital maturity assessments and circular economy evaluations to identify the specific needs of each enterprise, ranging from training and market access to digital skills and soft skills.

The tech CEO also said the pilot phase of the project will engage 150 participants, with 50 women each from Kano, Sokoto, and Katsina States.

Also speaking, ANWE president, Hafsat Sahabi Dange, said the project focuses on women in the creative sector, particularly fashion, crafts, and handwork.

“Our goal is to digitally transform these businesses so women can compete not only within Nigeria but globally. This project will impact the girl child and women by harnessing their innovations and strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northern Nigeria,” she said.

On her part, the Head of Green and Digital Economy Team at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Inga Stefanovic, said the EU is dedicating over €700 million in grants to support projects across Nigeria.

She emphasized that the EU’s partnership with Nigeria spans multiple areas including digital transition, economic development, democracy, peace and security, health, education, renewable energy, and agriculture.