Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to fostering a robust business ecosystem—particularly for young people and women—as part of efforts to drive inclusive economic development in Katsina State.
The Governor made the declaration during the 2025 International Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day celebration, where he officially launched the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) Digital Academy and disbursed ₦50,000 each to 200 small business owners across the state.
“When we came into office, we made a firm decision to make Katsina a hub of enterprise and innovation,” Governor Radda said.
“We know our people are capable. What they need is support, tools, and belief. That is exactly what we are giving them.”
Katsina Unveils Digital Academy, Awards Grants to 200 Entrepreneurs on MSME Dayhttps://t.co/0Z1C1hAiJa
— MSME Africa (@msme_africa) June 27, 2025
MSME Support Reaches Every LGA
Highlighting his administration’s achievements over the past year, Governor Radda noted that MSME outreach initiatives have extended into all 34 local government areas, including underserved communities.
The state government has provided zero-interest loans, training programmes, and infrastructure upgrades to ensure that even rural entrepreneurs are not excluded from opportunities.
“We initiated programmes that brought entrepreneurship closer to the people. From Funtua to Baure, from Jibia to Kafur, we ensured no community was left out,” he stated.
Digital Academy to ‘Future-Proof’ Local Enterprises
A major highlight of the event was the launch of the KASEDA Digital Academy—a tech-based learning hub designed to equip MSMEs with vital skills in e-commerce, digital marketing, financial literacy, and business strategy.
Governor Radda described the academy as a “game-changer” and stressed that digital capacity-building is crucial for making Katsina’s enterprises globally competitive.
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He also urged Katsina’s youth to seize the growing number of business opportunities being made available:
“We have the funds—step forward and use them. The opportunities are here. We are ready to support your business dreams. But you must take that first step.”
₦10 Million in MSME Grants and Capacity Building
The Governor announced that each of the 200 vendors selected during this year’s MSME Fair and Clinic would receive ₦50,000 in grants, alongside a two-day training session focused on customer service, business sustainability, and innovation.
“This isn’t just a thank-you gift. It’s a serious investment to help our small businesses grow and keep our economy moving forward,” he added.
KASEDA Highlights Two-Year Impact
Earlier in the event, Hajiya A’isha Aminu Malumfashi, Director-General of KASEDA—represented by Dr Babangida Ruma, Technical Assistant to the Governor on Enterprise Development—outlined the agency’s achievements under the “Building Your Future” initiative.
According to her, KASEDA has supported over 8,000 MSMEs through access to finance, advisory services, and mentorship.
This includes facilitating ₦3.4 billion in interest-free loans, conducting the state’s first MSME census, and mapping over 50,000 informal enterprises.
Other milestones include:
- Training 3,000 youth mechanics in collaboration with the Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association.
- Launching over 1,000 youth-led startups with capital and incubation support.
Call for Continued Partnerships
Governor Radda concluded by calling on stakeholders—government agencies, private investors, and financial institutions—to work together in dismantling barriers facing small businesses.
“Let’s build a Katsina where no one is too small to succeed,” he said.
The celebration drew key figures from the executive and legislative arms of government, traditional institutions, business community leaders, development partners, and hundreds of entrepreneurs from across the state.