The Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) was established by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, PhD, CON, as part of his administration’s resolve to create a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and to address the critical challenges that have, over the years, impeded the growth of MSMEs in the State.
Two years on, KASEDA, under the capable leadership of its pioneer Director General, Aisha Aminu, has emerged as a catalyst for stimulating economic growth, job creation, and entrepreneurial empowerment across the State. This success has been achieved through strategic partnerships, innovative funding models, and capacity-building programmes, among other initiatives.
Notable among these achievements is the establishment of a ₦3.4 billion MSME Fund, managed by the Bank of Industry (BOI). This fund has enabled MSMEs to access interest-free loans via BOI and Sterling Bank, benefitting thousands of entrepreneurs. The initiative has provided essential capital for business expansion while boosting the State’s economy.
Additionally, 8,057 business owners have benefited from operational support grants under the KASEDA/KT-CARES Programme, injecting much-needed capital into these enterprises.
Similarly, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), KASEDA set up a ₦542 million Victims Support Matching Livelihood Fund to restore livelihoods in frontline local government areas affected by security challenges.
To ensure data-driven interventions, the Agency conducted a comprehensive statewide MSME census, recording over 600,000 MSMEs. It also mapped more than 50,000 business clusters and roadside corridors to better understand specific areas of need.
Furthermore, KASEDA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with SMEDAN for the utilization of the Industrial Development Centre at Sabuwar Unguwa–Tudun Matawalle in Katsina metropolis. The centre provides state-of-the-art equipment in tailoring, printing, and packaging as a shared business facility for textile, fashion, leatherwork, and agribusiness ventures.
Youth empowerment and skills development represent another landmark achievement of the Agency. KASEDA has invested heavily in building a skilled workforce through various trainings and capacity development workshops for entrepreneurs across the State, as well as for its staff.
Among these initiatives are the training of 3,000 youth mechatronic apprentices in partnership with the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA) under the Mechanic Apprentice Support Programme (MASP), and the Entrepreneurship Mindset Reset Workshop.
In partnership with the Enterprise Development Centre (Pan-Atlantic University, Lagos), KASEDA is also training 10,000 women across all 34 Local Government Areas of the State within 12 months—an ongoing programme.
Additionally, 217 participants graduated under the Employability Project, with each receiving a computer tablet to enhance digital literacy and e-commerce capabilities.
Moreover, a startup capital of ₦250 million was disbursed to over 1,000 youth through the “Building Your Future” Youth Development and Empowerment Programme.
The Agency also secured 5,000 digital skills training opportunities from Wema Bank (yet to commence) and distributed 234 laptops, POS machines, mobile phones, solar inverters, and Wi-Fi routers to youth beneficiaries as part of the KT-CARES IT Enhancement Support Grant under the RA-3 Programme domiciled in the Agency.
Furthermore, KASEDA trained 850 women and youth in various business skills through NGOs and cooperatives such as KUYECO (Amalgamated).
In addition, transformative institutions such as the Dikko Social Innovation Academy and the KASEDA Digital Academy have been launched to serve as incubation and training hubs for digital skills, innovation, and entrepreneurial development across the State.
It is worth noting that, in its effort to ensure the sustainability of MSME development, KASEDA developed and unveiled the first-ever MSME Policy and Roadmap to guide enterprise growth in the State. Katsina, through KASEDA, became the first State in Nigeria to domesticate the National MSME Policy.
The Agency also signed strategic Memoranda of Understanding with the Rural Electrification Agency to promote renewable energy solutions for entrepreneurs, and with Tap Nigerians in Diaspora Funding to attract diaspora investments into local MSMEs.
In fostering a thriving entrepreneurial culture, KASEDA organized the Annual MSME Day Celebration, featuring MSME clinics and the disbursement of ₦10 million to outstanding entrepreneurs.
Workshops such as the Entrepreneurship Mindset Reset, which trained 500 women and youth, further demonstrate KASEDA’s commitment to transforming entrepreneurial thinking and resilience.
The Agency’s ongoing collaboration with NATA under the Mechanic Apprentice Support Programme (MASP) Second Phase continues to equip young people with practical technical skills and viable career prospects.
Through these milestones, KASEDA is demonstrating that local enterprise development can transform communities and reshape the economic future of Katsina State and indeed, Nigeria as a whole.
The Agency’s strategic blend of access to finance, skills development, policy direction, and innovative partnerships stands as a clear testament to its commitment to laying a strong foundation for a vibrant MSME ecosystem that promises prosperity and sustainable livelihoods for all.
– Hauwa Ibrahim Jikamshi Head, Public Relations Unit Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA)
