Dr. Samira Buhari, founder of the Daurama Foundation, has expressed concern over the digital exclusion of women in northern Nigeria, highlighting that 60% of them lack internet access, which significantly limits their economic opportunities.
To address this issue, Buhari announced the launch of the Samira Buhari Mentorship Programme (SBMP) Class of 2025, a transformative initiative designed to equip young women across Nigeria and Africa with essential leadership, digital, and entrepreneurial skills.
In a statement released on Saturday in Abuja, Buhari emphasized that the program aligns with this year’s International Women’s Day theme, ‘Accelerating Action for a Gender-Equal Future’. She stated that SBMP aims to break systemic barriers, particularly in underrepresented regions such as northern Nigeria.
First introduced at the 100 Most Notable Africans Business Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, in August 2024, SBMP builds on initiatives like the Nigeria for Women Project. The program also supports Vice President Kashim Shettima’s vision for women to take the lead in Africa’s projected $29 trillion economic transformation by providing mentorship, training, and leadership development opportunities.
Buhari stressed that achieving gender equality requires more than just discussions—it demands deliberate action.
“By equipping women with the tools they need to lead in business, governance, and their communities, we are investing in the long-term growth of Nigeria and Africa as a whole,” she stated.
She also called for collaborations to accelerate opportunities for women, emphasizing the importance of mentorship in empowering young women to navigate male-dominated industries.
Recognizing the significant digital gap in northern Nigeria, where 60% of women lack internet access, Buhari noted that digital exclusion is a major barrier to economic participation. The SBMP seeks to bridge this gap by incorporating digital literacy and online business strategies into its curriculum, enabling women to compete in Africa’s fast-growing digital economy.
“By providing women with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to excel in leadership, entrepreneurship, and community development, we are driving positive change and contributing to a more equitable society,” she added.
Through the SBMP initiative, Dr. Samira Buhari continues to champion women’s empowerment, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities needed to thrive in the modern economy.
