The Kaduna State Government in Northwest Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) to drive inclusive economic growth and revitalisation of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Kaduna State.
The MoU, signed by the Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and Director-General of the SMEDAN, Mr Charles Odii, formalises a strategic partnership designed to enhance access to finance, strengthen business development support, and expand employment opportunities across the state through the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
At the heart of this collaboration is a ₦1 billion Matching Fund Programme, jointly financed by both parties—₦500 million each from SMEDAN and the Kaduna State Government.
The fund is aimed at providing affordable and accessible financing options to entrepreneurs and small business owners, particularly Nano, Micro, and Small Enterprises (NMSEs) for working capital and asset acquisition.
Key objectives of the partnership include empowering Nano, Micro, and Small Enterprises (NMSEs) with affordable capital—particularly for working capital and asset acquisition; fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that drives innovation, productivity, and inclusive growth; and creating sustainable jobs and reducing poverty across both urban and rural communities in Kaduna State.
“By pursuing these objectives, we are addressing the root causes of financial exclusion, unemployment, poverty and insecurity,” said the State Governor Uba Sani.
Speaking during the MoU signing ceremony, Mr Odii commended the Kaduna State Governor for his exploits in transforming the economic landscape of the state through the creation of an enabling environment as well as investment in the provision of strategic capacity building for the people of Kaduna State.
Mr Odii revealed that Kaduna State currently tops the chart on the SMEDAN dashboard for MSMEs registration, which, he said, is driven by investments in human capital development driven by the Governor Uba Sani’s vision for the state.
According to Governor Uba Sani, “the partnership marks a bold step toward transforming Kaduna’s economic landscape and unlocking the full potential of our entrepreneurial talent,” further making a commitment to consider an upward review of the fund by the state government, within a short period, when the impact of this MoU begins to trickle in.
“We remain resolutely committed to delivering tangible results. Through sustained innovation and strategic partnerships like this, we will continue unlocking economic opportunities, empowering our people, and building a Kaduna State that is productive, resilient, and prosperous.
The Kaduna State Enterprise Development Agency (KADEDA), our implementation agency, will lead this initiative,” he assured, noting that the initiative signals a shared commitment by both SMEDAN and the Kaduna State Government to empower local businesses, stimulate economic activity, and uplift the residents’ standard of living.