By Shu’aibu Gachi
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has reaffirmed his administration commitment to empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by launching the KASEDA Digital Market, an online platform designed to connect businesses in the state with customers across Nigeria and beyond.
Governor Radda launched the Digital Market on Saturday during the 2026 International MSMEs Day. The Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Garba Faskari, said the annual celebration recognises the vital role of small businesses in driving economic growth, creating jobs, reducing poverty and promoting sustainable development.
He noted that MSMEs remain the backbone of every thriving economy, accounting for about 90 per cent of businesses worldwide and providing the majority of employment opportunities.
According to the Governor, his administration has continued to invest in policies and programmes that create an enabling environment for entrepreneurs, artisans, manufacturers, farmers, women and young people to establish and grow successful businesses.
“Since assuming office, we have remained committed to creating an environment where businesses can start, grow, compete and succeed. Through KASEDA, thousands of entrepreneurs have benefited from business training, financial support, capacity building, digital skills and enterprise development programmes,” he said.
Governor Radda said one of the biggest challenges facing many small businesses is access to sustainable markets rather than production alone, adding that the newly launched KASEDA Digital Market was created to address that challenge.
“The KASEDA Digital Market is more than an online marketplace. It is a gateway to opportunity that will enable entrepreneurs to showcase their products, receive orders, promote their brands and reach customers within and outside Nigeria,” he said.
He explained that the platform would improve product visibility, expand market access, strengthen digital marketing, enhance business credibility and support enterprise growth across all 34 Local Government Areas of the state.
The Governor encouraged entrepreneurs, cooperative societies, manufacturers, fashion designers, farmers, artisans and service providers to register on the platform and take advantage of the opportunities it offers.
He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to digital transformation, youth empowerment, job creation and economic diversification, while calling on development partners and investors to collaborate with the state in building a stronger economy.
Governor Radda commended KASEDA, financial institutions, business associations and development partners for their continued support towards enterprise development in Katsina State.
Earlier, the Director-General of the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), Dr. Babangida Kabir Ruma, described MSMEs as the foundation of economic prosperity, saying entrepreneurs continue to create jobs and strengthen communities through innovation and resilience.
He said Governor Radda’s commitment to enterprise development has enabled KASEDA to implement programmes that have improved access to finance, entrepreneurship training, vocational skills, digital innovation, business formalisation and mentorship for thousands of entrepreneurs across the state.
According to him, partnerships with the Bank of Industry and Sterling Bank have also created financing opportunities for businesses seeking to expand their operations.
Dr. Ruma announced that every registered vendor participating in this year’s International MSMEs Day Exhibition would receive a grant of ₦50,000 to support the growth of their businesses.
He appreciated development partners, financial institutions, donor agencies and business organisations for supporting KASEDA’s programmes and urged entrepreneurs to continue innovating, learning and building businesses that would contribute to the economic development of Katsina State.
Signed:Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State
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