The Katsina State Government has set aside ₦500 million to support women entrepreneurs across the state, a move aimed at stimulating local business growth, expanding market opportunities, and empowering women as key contributors to economic development.
Governor Dikko Umar Radda unveiled the new funding initiative as part of broader efforts to strengthen the state’s small business ecosystem and address barriers that often limit access to capital for female-led enterprises. The allocation will be distributed through frameworks designed to ensure transparent, equitable access to support for women-owned micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
“We are providing this support to empower our women, create jobs, and accelerate economic prosperity in Katsina State. Women in business are economic drivers, and with the right support, they can lift up entire communities,” Gov. Radda said in a statement.
What the Fund Will Do
The ₦500 million women’s entrepreneurship fund is intended to serve multiple objectives:
- Access to capital: Provide low-interest loans and grant support to women-led MSMEs that lack adequate financing from traditional sources.
- Business expansion: Support scaling of existing businesses, such as agribusiness, retail, crafts, services, and technology, into larger markets and create more employment opportunities.
- Capacity building: Invest in skill development programs that enhance business management, financial literacy, digital marketing, and product innovation.
The program will be implemented through relevant state agencies and in collaboration with private sector partners to ensure that beneficiaries receive not only financing but also mentorship and market linkages that improve business sustainability and competitiveness.
Officials explained that this initiative reflects Katsina’s commitment to inclusive economic growth, particularly for groups historically underrepresented in formal business finance. Women entrepreneurs in the state, many of whom operate in agriculture, food processing, fashion, and trade, will be eligible to apply for support based on specific criteria designed to prioritize impact and sustainability.
The fund also aims to close gender gaps in entrepreneurship, a challenge common across many African economies where female-led firms often face higher borrowing costs and limited access to collateral. By providing dedicated financial pathways, the state hopes to enhance women’s participation in key economic sectors and improve household incomes.
The Katsina State Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Tourism (or designated implementation agency) will soon release guidelines on application processes, eligibility requirements, and disbursement timelines for the initiative. Prospective applicants are encouraged to prepare basic business documentation, including business plans, registration details, and financial records, to facilitate smooth application review.
Analysts say that targeted support like this can help stimulate local market growth, foster innovation, and propel inclusive job creation, especially when integrated with broader state and national development strategies.
