Despite the transformative potential of digital technology, many women in Northern Nigeria face significant barriers to accessing digital literacy, entrepreneurship skills, and e-commerce opportunities. Cultural constraints, limited access to technology, and inadequate digital education have hindered their participation in the digital economy. To address these challenges, Tech Herfrica, Laerrybluemedia, the Yarfita Foundation founded by Ahmad Binta in Kaduna State, and the Prince 7 Youth Development Initiative have united to enhance digital literacy and e-commerce among rural women entrepreneurs in Northern Nigeria.
Recently launched in Kaduna State, this initiative has already impacted over 300 rural women entrepreneurs from Sabon Gari LGA, Kaduna South LGA, and Zaria LGA. These women have gained crucial skills in bookkeeping, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, online buying and selling, and using platforms like Google My Business, WhatsApp, and Facebook groups to increase their sales. WhatsApp groups have also been established to facilitate trade, enabling participants to conduct transactions effectively and improve their income.
Tech Herfrica’s innovative chat-based solution, co-created with Turn.io and supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, is central to this initiative. This solution offers comprehensive digital and financial literacy courses and connects rural women to new markets, overcoming previous barriers to economic participation. Additionally, Tech Herfrica’s HerLocal Market platform helps women access broader markets and engage more effectively in e-commerce.
Plans are underway to scale up this initiative across Northern Nigeria, welcoming thousands of rural women into the digital economy. By addressing the barriers faced by these women and equipping them with the necessary tools and knowledge, Tech Herfrica and its partners are fostering economic empowerment and digital inclusion.
To date, over 500 women across Kaduna, Gombe, and Nasarawa States have been trained, with continued efforts to expand this initiative further. Also, with trades currently being facilitated using WhatsApp, these women are elevating their income.As Tech Herfrica and its partners continue to promote digital literacy, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship, the future appears promising for the rural women of Northern Nigeria as they seize new opportunities for digital and financial independence.