I had the privilege of attending the launch of the Katsina State MSME Growth Fund, a significant initiative involving a 5 billion naira matching fund between the Katsina State government and the Bank of Industry (BOI), as well as the Dikko BDS Corp Intervention Programs. This initiative serves as a vital lifeline for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the state, as it expands access to Business Development Services (BDS) in every Local Government Area (LGA). This groundbreaking initiative is a testament to the unwavering commitment of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, Ph.D. CON, to foster SME growth and development in Katsina State.
This new intervention builds upon the solid foundation laid by previous programs, including a 1 billion naira matching fund facilitated in collaboration with SMEDAN, aimed at enhancing financial access for SMEs. Furthermore, it continues the support for revitalizing our state’s Industrial Development Center (IDC), which serves as a hub for innovation, training, and industrial growth. Through these comprehensive efforts, Katsina State is empowering entrepreneurs and SMEs by ensuring access to affordable finance, modern equipment, and specialized BDS services to help them start, run, or scale their businesses effectively.
During my address at the launch event, I encouraged the SMEs and entrepreneurs in attendance to seize these valuable opportunities. By leveraging the financial resources and modern tools available through these programs, they can significantly enhance their competitiveness in the local and global markets. Moreover, tailored BDS services offer personalized guidance, enabling businesses to overcome challenges and achieve sustainable growth.
In addition to this, I actively promoted our #GrowNigerian agenda on the international stage during the Festa della Repubblica, Italy’s National Day celebration. At this prestigious event, I met with the Italian High Commissioner and several key foreign dignitaries to discuss potential partnerships and mutually beneficial exchanges within the SME ecosystem. These discussions highlighted opportunities for collaborative efforts to drive innovation, boost trade, and create a more robust platform for Nigerian SMEs to thrive on a global scale.
Together, these efforts are designed to ensure that SMEs remain the backbone of our economy and contribute to Nigeria’s sustained growth and development.
