Following the AU PSC directive, which called for the scaling of the Peace - Security - Development Nexus, the African Union Commission, Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security; convened an Income-generating Capacity Strengthening Initiative for Community Women in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, from 24 – 28 June 2025. The project brought about over two hundred and fifty (250) community women from key localities of the State, including Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), Jere, Chibok and Konduga, among others.

Against the backdrop of over a decade-long of insurgency and violent extremism in the region, the initiative aimed at facilitating access and strengthening basic vocational skills and services through the provision of income-generating occupational skills and accompanying equipment to beneficiaries, for economic empowerment, increased self-reliance and reduction of vulnerabilities within the insurgent affected communities. This initiative which had been equally rolled out in the Sahel region, empowered over two hundred and fifty (250) grassroot women and communities in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria, and helped foster resilience, sustainable and dignified livelihood.

During the event, H.E. Hon. Zuwaira Gambo, Commissioner, Women Affairs and Social Development, on behalf of H.E. Dr. Umar Usman Kadafur, Dept. Governor of Borno State, appreciated the African Union for “choosing Maiduguri, as the host of the very important initiative, a significant pathway for rebuilding lives, restoring dignity and strengthening economic empowerment for women who have endured conflicts, displacements and social exclusion.” Meanwhile, Mme. Nadia Roguiai, on behalf of the H.E. Amb. Bankole Adeoye, Commissioner, AU-PAPS; underscored ‘the critical link between women’s economic empowerment and sustainable peace, as she asserted that by equipping women in conflict-affected communities with skills in agro-processing, tailoring, and other trades alongside essential tools, policies are translated into tangible progress.

Representing H.E. Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, Governor of Borno H.E.; Hon. Danjuma Ali, Permanent Secretary in charge of Political and Permanent Cabinet, highlighted that the Stabilization and QIPs project resonated deeply with the 25 years Development Plan and the 10 years Strategic Transformative Initiative of Borno State. He reiterated that the training was not just a program, rather a symbol of hope, renewal and inclusion, and a declaration that no woman, no matter her background should be left behind.

The training concluded with the handover of several sewing machines food processing machines and cosmetology equipment, to the beneficiaries, to enable them start businesses for income generation and subsistence living, as route towards mitigating insurgency in the region. 

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For more information, please contact:

Mrs. Mayah Ngalla, Senior Political Officer/Regional Desk – Western Africa Region |Conflict Management Directorate | Political Affairs, Peace and Security Department | African Union Commission | Email: mayahn@africanunion.org

Information and Communication Directorate, African Union Commission I E-mail: DIC@africa-union.org |Web: www.au.int  | Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | Follow Us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

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