By Usman Usman Garba
Blue Sapphire Hub has launched the Women Venture Studio Digital Innovation Hub (WVSDIH), a new platform designed to support women entrepreneurs—particularly those in fashion manufacturing and the creative industries—across three states in Nigeria’s Northwest.
The project is being implemented in partnership with the Association of Northern Women Entrepreneurs (ANWE), Northwest University Kano, and is funded by the European Union (EU) and GIZ through the Digital Transformation Center.
Speaking at the event, the co-founder of the initiative, Maryam Lawan Gwadabe, said the Women Venture Studio Digital Innovation Hub is designed to empower women-led enterprises through innovation, technology, and market-driven skills.
“The Women Venture Studio is something entirely new because a digital innovation hub operates differently from other innovation models,” Gwadabe said.
“This is the first time such a hub is offering a sustainable and inclusive ecosystem that helps entrepreneurs access investment, build market linkages, and acquire the skills needed to penetrate wider markets.”
She added that the hub provides an enabling and comfortable environment where women can work safely and confidently.
According to her, the program conducts digital maturity assessments and circular economy evaluations to understand each enterprise’s needs—ranging from training and digital literacy to soft skills and market access.
Gwadabe also noted that the hub provides facilities for nursing mothers, including a dedicated crèche where children can stay and learn while their mothers participate in activities.
She further assured participants that the Women Venture Studio is equipped with all the necessary tools and resources to ensure women thrive without compromising cultural norms.
“Everyone within the Women Venture Studio understands that we are mandated to safeguard culture and values while empowering women. That is what the studio is committed to achieving,” she said.
She also highlighted that the studio’s mentors are accomplished professionals who are committed to listening to women’s challenges and supporting their growth.
On her part, ANWE President, Hafsat Sahabi Dange, said the project focuses on women in the creative sector, particularly those in 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 women and the girl child by harnessing their creativity and strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Northern Nigeria,” she said.
Also speaking, Inga Sterfanowich, Head of the Green and Digital Economy Team at the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said the EU has committed over €700 million in grants to support projects across Nigeria.
“We are here today to celebrate a major milestone of one of our supported projects. Women remain at the center of our focus,” she stated.
“In most of our programs, we make a deliberate effort to put women and youth at the heart of development.”
She added that the EU’s partnership with Nigeria cuts across several areas, including digital transition, economic growth, democracy, peace and security, health, education, renewable energy, and agriculture.
Mrs. Sterfanowich also noted that the Women Venture Studio covers Kano, Katsina, and Sokoto States, providing women with better tools, improved opportunities, and increased capacity to grow their businesses, generate more income, and create jobs.
