Inclusive capacity building and shared connectivity for sustainable rural ICT ecosystem with Fantsuam Foundation

Status: Closed

Country: Nigeria

Partner: Fantsuam Foundation

Impact goal: 50 women

About the project

Digitalization of government services in northern Nigeria have not made efforts to ensure affordable access for rural communities: the challenge of lack of connectivity and digital empowerment persist. These hurdles contribute to increasing the rural-urban digital divide. This project will reduce the high cost of connectivity through shared broadband infrastructure while building the digital capacity of women engaged in small scale businesses and persons living with disabilities in the informal rural economy.

Project Results

The project aimed to expand digital inclusion among rural women, farmers, petty traders, and people living with disabilities by building digital literacy and encouraging greater adoption of community-centred connectivity initiatives. It also sought to build a stronger base of internet users who could advocate for more inclusive connectivity policies in Nigeria.

The project exceeded its training target, reaching 94 participants against an initial target of 70. This included 68 women farmers and 26 people living with disabilities. Training was delivered in Hausa, with practical sessions introducing participants to digital devices and basic digital skills. Participants also received guidance on digital financial literacy, following concerns about online fraud and the security of bank accounts. Many participants are members of local savings groups, creating opportunities to share their new knowledge and skills with others in their communities.

The project also introduced participants to Nigeria’s 2026 National Telecommunications Policy, which includes provisions for community networks and community-centred connectivity initiatives. This provides a foundation for future advocacy, enabling participants to make more informed demands of political representatives and local governments for better access to affordable connectivity.

Challenges and Adaptations

Although the project exceeded its training target, turning digital literacy into regular internet use proved more difficult than anticipated. Around 76% of participants use basic mobile phones rather than smartphones, limiting their ability to practise independently. Access to digital devices and the internet therefore depends largely on visiting the Fantsuam facility. Farming commitments also limited the time participants could dedicate to training and continued practice, while rising petrol prices made travel to internet access points in neighbouring communities increasingly expensive.

The project team also found that concerns about online fraud were a significant barrier to digital adoption, particularly among rural women. In response, greater emphasis was placed on digital financial literacy to help participants understand how to protect their accounts and use online services more safely. Training dates and venues were adjusted on six occasions to accommodate farming schedules and other local commitments, with weekend sessions sometimes proving more suitable.

These challenges limited progress towards the original goal of establishing shared broadband connectivity between neighbouring rural communities. However, an important opportunity emerged through the inclusion of community-centred connectivity initiatives in Nigeria’s 2026 National Telecommunications Policy. This creates a basis for continued policy advocacy beyond the project, building on the knowledge gained during training and helping rural communities and people living with disabilities make a stronger case for affordable, inclusive internet access.

About the partner

Fantsuam Foundation is a female led organization on a mission to eliminate poverty and disadvantage among women and youths through integrated development programs in the Kaduna State in Nigeria.

Visit their website here to learn more about them.