Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has declared his administration’s firm commitment to supporting entrepreneurs, promoting innovation, and building a sustainable economy driven by private sector growth.
Governor Radda revealed this while joining global community in celebrating the 2026 International Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Day. He noted that this year’s theme, “Empowering MSMEs through Innovation and Sustainable Industrial Development,” reflects the direction of the ‘Building Your Future’ administration’s economic policies and interventions aimed at creating opportunities for businesses, young people, women, and innovators across Katsina State.
Governor Radda described MSMEs as the backbone of the state’s economy, saying they remain critical to job creation, wealth generation, poverty reduction, and economic diversification.
According to him, the Katsina State Government, through the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), has implemented several programmes designed to improve access to finance, strengthen entrepreneurship, support innovation, and promote sustainable enterprise development across all parts of the state.
The Governor stated that in 2025 alone, KASEDA facilitated the creation of 5,373 direct and indirect jobs, while more than 10,000 businesses were formalised, enabling them to access government support, financial services, and new market opportunities.
He further disclosed that through the state’s MSMEs Managed Fund, implemented in partnership with the Bank of Industry and Sterling Bank Plc, hundreds of businesses received interest-free loans to expand operations, increase production, retain workers, and strengthen their businesses. A total of 394 MSMEs accessed interest-free loans through Sterling Bank, while 111 MSMEs benefited through the Bank of Industry, with an additional 3,131 applications submitted for processing.
Governor Radda also highlighted the success of the ₦200 million Building Your Future Programme, which provided startup capital to more than 1,000 youths across the 34 local government areas of the state, helping many young people establish and grow their businesses.
In promoting industrial skills and sustainable enterprise development, the Governor said the KASEDA-NATA Mechatronics Apprenticeship Support Programme has continued to empower young people with practical technical skills. Under the initiative, 3,000 youths are being trained in automobile and mechanical trades, while 1,169 apprentices who successfully completed the first phase received starter packs worth over ₦233 million to begin their careers and contribute to the state’s industrial growth.
Governor Radda noted that innovation remains central to sustainable development, which informed the establishment of the KASEDA Digital Academy, a flagship initiative designed to prepare young people for opportunities in the digital economy. The academy has already trained 684 beneficiaries, awarded 312 professional certifications, completed 64 practical digital projects, and supported 19 startups and digital service businesses across the state.
The Governor added that the state also hosted the National Expanded MSMEs Clinic, which provided entrepreneurs with direct access to business advisory services, financing opportunities, digital transformation support, and regulatory guidance. The programme further strengthened Katsina’s position as an emerging destination for enterprise development and investment.
Governor Radda said the achievements recorded through KASEDA clearly demonstrate that innovation, skills development, access to finance, and strategic partnerships are essential ingredients for building resilient businesses and sustainable industries.
“As we celebrate the 2026 International MSMEs Day, we recognise and appreciate the resilience, creativity, and contributions of our entrepreneurs who continue to drive economic growth in our state.
“Our administration will continue to invest in policies and programmes that support innovation, strengthen enterprise competitiveness, create jobs, and expand opportunities for our people. We believe that when MSMEs succeed, communities prosper and the economy grows stronger.
“The theme of this year’s celebration perfectly aligns with our vision of building a diversified and sustainable economy where innovation drives productivity, industries create opportunities, and businesses flourish,” the Governor said.
Governor Radda reaffirmed that his administration remains committed to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, attracting investments, supporting industrial development, and ensuring that enterprise development remains a key pillar of the Katsina State Development Agenda.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State
27th June, 2026
