Group Empowers Women With 20 Electric Vehicles In Kano

The Mata Zalla Entrepreneurs Cooperative, in partnership with the UK-funded Propcom+ programme, has launched 20 electric agro-cargo vehicles to boost women’s participation in agribusiness and promote sustainable transportation in Kano State.

The initiative, tagged Mata Zalla Smart Agro Cargo, was co-financed by Propcom+ under the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to enhance rural mobility, reduce post-harvest losses, and foster inclusive green growth.
Speaking at the launch held in Karfi, Kura Local Government Area, Country Representative of Propcom+, Dr Adiya Ode, said the initiative represents electric momentum for women-led economic transformation.

Represented by Ahmad Nuru, Dr. Ode explained that the intervention builds on previous support under the UK-funded LINKS programme, which enabled the cooperative to pioneer 100 electric tricycle operations in Kano through financing from The Alternative Bank.

“These vehicles, alongside the solar-powered charging station and logistics hub, are pathways to prosperity, climate resilience, and inclusive growth,” she stated.

Hajiya Hauwa Ahmed, President of the cooperative, described the project as a milestone in advancing women-led innovation in agriculture and clean energy.

She noted that the vehicles and facilities will connect smallholder farmers—especially women and youth—to markets through affordable and efficient logistics solutions.

According to her, the new assets comprise a 55-kilowatt solar-powered charging station, eight electric bikes, four refrigerated carriers, four open cargo tricycles, and four four-wheeled cargo vehicles designed for different farm operations.

Inaugurating the vehicles, Kano State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahiru Hashim, commended the initiative for simultaneously promoting women empowerment and environmental sustainability.

He assured of government support, saying the state would consider establishing more charging centres to encourage clean mobility.