By Mu’awuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) has disbursed grants of N50,000 each to 100 participating vendors at the just-concluded 2026 International Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Day celebration.
The Director-General of KASEDA, Dr. Babangida Kabir Rumah, announced the grant during the MSME Day Exhibition held at the Continental Event Centre in Katsina.
Dr. Rumah said the grants would enable beneficiaries to replenish their stock, purchase equipment, improve production, and increase their working capital.
He noted that the intervention reflects the Katsina State Government’s commitment to supporting local businesses and promoting entrepreneurship.
Highlighting the agency’s achievements since its establishment, Rumah said KASEDA has created an enabling environment where businesses can start, grow, compete, and succeed.
“We have continued to develop policies, programmes, partnerships, and interventions that have directly improved the lives of entrepreneurs across the 34 local government areas of the state,” he said.
He added that through its partnership with the Bank of Industry, the agency has facilitated access to affordable financing for entrepreneurs who previously lacked opportunities to obtain business capital.
According to him, KASEDA has also partnered with Sterling Bank to provide MSMEs with financing opportunities specifically designed to address the challenges small businesses face in accessing credit.
Dr. Rumah further explained that the agency has invested heavily in entrepreneurship development and capacity building, equipping youths with practical skills for self-employment and economic independence.
He commended the Katsina State Government for its commitment to private sector development and for the moral and financial support it has provided to the agency in carrying out its mandate.
Earlier, Governor Dikko Umar Radda, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Garba Faskari, described MSMEs as the engine room of economic development and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting them.
The governor said his administration has introduced various interventions and reforms to facilitate access to finance for micro, small and medium enterprises and expand their businesses by connecting them to global markets.
Governor Radda also launched the KASEDA Digital Market, describing it as a gateway of opportunities for entrepreneurs, traders, and business owners in the state to showcase their products to international markets.
He said the platform would connect businesses with digital market opportunities regardless of their location and urged entrepreneurs to register and take advantage of the initiative.
In his remarks, the Vice Chairman of the KASEDA Board of Directors, Salisu Mamman Kadandani, commended Governor Radda for establishing the agency to create jobs and enhance economic activities in the state.
Kadandani disclosed that the agency has so far provided interest-free loans to over 100 small and medium enterprises.
During the event, the Director-General, Dr. Babangida Rumah, led dignitaries on an inspection tour of the MSME Fair, exhibition stands, and business clinics.
Representatives of the Ministry of Commerce, SMEDAN, NASSI, NASME, and other stakeholders also commended KASEDA for boosting business activities through its continued support and encouragement of small and medium enterprises.
