EU inaugurates a Centre of Excellence to unlock Digital job opportunities for women in Peshawar
Peshawar – 29 April 2026 (MT Team) : The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and the European Union (EU) today inaugurated a Centre of Excellence for Digital and Hi-Tech Skills for women at the Institute of Management Sciences (IM Sciences) in Peshawar, expanding opportunities for women to access jobs in Pakistan’s growing digital economy. The centre and its wider network will train around 1,000 women from across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, including merged districts, in digital and high-tech skills over the next two years.
The Centre is a flagship project under the EU’s Global Gateway investment strategy and its job-focused skills training (TVET Sector) Support Programme.
H.E. Mr. Raimundas Karoblis, Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, said: “This Centre of Excellence reflects the European Union’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s digital transition and investing in its people. By aligning training with market demand, we aim to create pathways to jobs and entrepreneurship for women.
Through its Global Gateway investment strategy, the EU is investing in skills that match the needs of a modern economy. These centres will help close the skills gap and prepare young people in Pakistan to compete in the global digital market.”
Mr. Muhammad Sohail Afridi, Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, said: “The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains committed to strengthening skills development as a driver of economic growth and employment. This Centre of Excellence will support our efforts to equip young people with relevant digital skills and improve their access to opportunities in emerging sectors.
We value the European Union’s partnership in strengthening institutions and enhancing the quality and relevance of training in the province.”
Mr. James Hampson, Country Director, British Council in Pakistan, said: “We are proud to team up with the EU Delegation and our partners at GIZ to launch the Centre of Excellence today in Peshawar. Connecting young women from across KP with high-tech skills and qualifications will help them achieve their ambitions and Pakistan’s economy succeed.”
The Centre is delivered in the Team Europe approach involving the EU institutions and the EU Member states France, Germany and Italy to support green job creation and strengthen skills for the future. It is part of the EU’s Global Gateway investment strategy to boost jobs and sustainable economic growth worldwide, including by investing in skills of young people in Pakistan.
The Centre was launched by the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Mr Sohail Afridi, and attended by H.E. Raimundas Koroblis, EU Ambassador to Pakistan; Mr. Peteris Ustubs, Director for Asia and Pacific at Directorate-General for International Partnerships, European Commission and Mr. James Hampson, Country Director of British Council.
The Team Europe TVET Sector support programme is funded by the EU and Germany and co-implemented by the British Council and GIZ, combining international expertise in education systems, skills development, and institutional strengthening to support the delivery of these outcomes.
