Katsina is forward-thinking, investment-ready, says Governor Radda

Katsina State Government has signed an Expression of Interest (EoI) with ARISE Integrated Industrial Platforms (IIP), to develop the state Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) and Free Trade Zone.

The State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, signed the Expression of Interest during the 2024 Africa Investment Forum (AIF), hosted by the African Development Bank (AfDB) in Rabat, Morocco.

The Governor led the State’s delegation in high-level discussions, strategic sessions and bilateral meetings to promote Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ), the Northwest Agricultural Growth Scheme 2.0 (NAGS 2.0) and the Cotton Textile Garment (CTG).

Governor Radda also lauds the State inclusion in SAPZ Phase II which commenced onboarding States by the first quarter of 2025. “The AfDB has committed a $1 Billion for Phase II, with Katsina recognized as a key participant,” the Governor declared.

“The State’s investments in irrigation, agricultural mechanization and smallholder farmer empowerment as critical enablers for successful implementation,” the Governor added.

Governor Radda reassured the State commitment to collaborate with AfDB and other stakeholders to ensure Northwest Agricultural Growth Scheme (NAGS 2.0) comes into fruition. “The first phase prioritizes wheat production, Phase II will expand to include additional crops, with all Northwest States, where Katsina already submitted an Expression of Interest,” he noted.

In furtherance of the State engagement at the Forum, Governor Radda pitched the need for support to develop the Cotton Textile Garment (CTG) economy sector. In response, the ARISE IIP expressed strong interest in supporting Katsina efforts, while requesting the need for Federal Government policy reforms to facilitate cotton production, including the approval of specialized fertilizers.

Governor Radda pledged to advocate for these policy changes while exploring interim solutions such as procuring improved cotton seeds and fertilizers to kickstart cotton production in the state.

Speaking on Katsina State achievements at the forum, Governor Radda, boasted, “Our participation at the Africa Investment Forum has solidified Katsina State’s position as a forward-thinking and investment-ready state. “The partnership we have forged, particularly with ARISE IIP and AfDB will transform Katsina into an economic powerhouse through industrialization and agricultural competitiveness.”

Following this Expression of Interest and partnership, Katsina State will finalize SAPZ locations and begin feasibility studies with ARISE IIP, ensuring alignment with AfDB guidelines. The State will equally advance NAGS 2.0 implementation, work to address policy barriers for the CTG economy and continue to leverage technical assistance from AfDB to de-risk investment and accelerate infrastructure development.