The Kaduna State Enterprise Development Agency (KADEDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rejeses PM Consulting and the Young Entrepreneurs Foundation for Youth Development and Empowerment (YEFFYDE) to boost the growth and capacity of over 10,000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the State.
The agreement, described as a major step towards transforming Kaduna’s business ecosystem, aimed at providing training, access to finance, and business development support for entrepreneurs, particularly those in rural and semi-urban areas.
Speaking during the signing ceremony yesterday in Kaduna, the executive director of KADEDA, Iliya Anthony Timbuark, who was represented by the executive director of Operations, Abdulhadi Abdullahi Makarfi, said the partnership represents a “turning point” for small businesses in the state.
“This is not just a stepping stone but an avenue for our entrepreneurs to move forward, not only within Kaduna State but across Nigeria. Our MSMEs constitute almost 80 percent of the State’s economy, yet many operate informally. This partnership will help them formalise and grow into strong, competitive enterprises,” he said.
He noted that the collaboration with Rejeses PM Consulting would provide entrepreneurs with practical project management and business development skills to help them expand sustainably.
“Kaduna is taking deliberate steps to ensure its enterprises are not just recognized nationally but can compete internationally.”
The head of Programmes and Projects at KADEDA, Mustapha Adamu, explained that the MoU is part of the agency’s stakeholder engagement strategy designed to upscale businesses and promote financial inclusion.
On his part, the founder of YEFFYDE, Mahmoud Mannir Dangude, said the partnership will create opportunities for young entrepreneurs to showcase their products and develop soft skills necessary for business success.
“Many youths have technical skills but lack the soft skills to promote and manage their businesses effectively. This initiative provides a platform for learning, networking, and connecting with investors and government support programmes.”
The principal consultant of Rejeses PM Consulting, Dr Sam Eze, described the initiative as “planting a seed for a forest of opportunities” for Kaduna entrepreneurs.
“This is not just another training programme but a full transformation process that introduces world-class business systems and a disciplined approach to thinking and execution”.
He added that the KADEDA-Rejeses Business Growth Series will offer intensive hands-on training, enabling participants to work on real business projects with expert mentorship.
The initiative is expected to provide Kaduna entrepreneurs with tools, frameworks, and networks to scale their businesses to national and international levels.
