ITU Tech Monthly | From Digital Skills to Growth - How Women-Led SMEs Are Scaling in Nigeria

This episode of ITU Tech Monthly explores how digital skills are transforming opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Nigeria. Featuring Maryam Lawan, founder of Blue Sapphire Hub (https://bluesapphirehub.com/) who implements Women on Wednesday, a project winner of the EQUALS in Tech Awards in the Leadership in SMEs category that were recognized at the Mobile World Congress Barcelona in March 2026 (https://www.equalsintech.org/post/equals-in-tech-awards-at-mwc-26-meet-the-winners). The conversation highlights how digital upskilling, mentorship, and access to investment are helping women-led businesses grow and scale. From practical tools to leadership pathways, the episode also looks at how emerging technologies and supportive digital ecosystems can unlock more inclusive economic participation for women. This episode reflects the work of the EQUALS Global Partnership for Gender Equality in the Digital Age (https://www.equalsintech.org/) in advancing digital skills, leadership, and inclusion for women in the digital economy. Guest: Maryam Lawan, Blue Sapphire Hub (Nigeria) EQUALS in Tech Awards at MWC-26 – Leadership in SMEs WinnerFocus areas:Digital skills for women entrepreneursMentorship and business growthAccess to finance and investment readinessEmerging technologies and business innovationBuilding inclusive and supportive digital ecosystemsLearn more: ITU: https://www.itu.intEQUALS Global PartnershipWebsite: https://www.equalsintech.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/equalsintech/ X/Twitter: https://x.com/equalsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/equals/ITU is the leading United Nations agency for digital technologies, driving innovation together with 193 Member States and a membership of some 900 private sector entities and academic institutions. Established over 150 years ago in 1865, ITU is the intergovernmental body responsible for coordinating the shared global use of the radio spectrum, promoting international cooperation in assigning satellite orbits, improving communication infrastructure in the developing world, and establishing the worldwide standards that foster seamless interconnection of a vast range of communications systems. From broadband networks to cutting-edge wireless technologies, aeronautical and maritime navigation, radio astronomy, oceanographic and satellite-based earth monitoring as well as converging fixed-mobile phone, Internet and broadcasting technologies, ITU is committed to connecting the world. The materials contained on this podcast channel are for information purposes only. ITU expressly disclaims all liability to any person in respect of anything and in respect of the consequences of anything said or omitted to be said wholly or partly in reliance upon the whole or any part of the contents of this podcast channel. ITU is not responsible for any third party content which may be accessed through this podcast channel. ITU interviews and soundbites may be edited for content and duration. The views and opinions expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the ITU. ITU holds copyright in the information available on this podcast channel, unless otherwise stated. Copyright in any third-party materials found on this podcast channel must also be respected. #digitaltransformation #womeninstem #digitalskills