Another 100 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Katsina State have been approved as beneficiaries of the 2026 Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA)/Bank of Industry (BOI) Interest-Free MSME Loan Programme, as Governor Dikko Umaru Radda reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening entrepreneurship and private sector-led economic growth.
KASEDA announced that the newly approved businesses constitute the second batch of beneficiaries under the 2026 scheme, adding that offer letters are ready for signing ahead of loan disbursement.
The agency also disclosed that some of the successful applicants have already received their interest-free loans, while others have been directed to visit the Bank of Industry office to complete the documentation process.
The latest approvals came as Governor Radda joined the global community to commemorate the 2026 International Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Day, declaring that small businesses remain the backbone of Katsina State’s economy.
Katsina Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda
Speaking on the occasion, the governor said this year’s theme, “Empowering MSMEs through Innovation and Sustainable Industrial Development,” aligns with his administration’s economic agenda of promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and sustainable industrial growth.
He described MSMEs as critical drivers of job creation, wealth generation, poverty reduction and economic diversification.
According to Radda, the Katsina State Government, through KASEDA, has implemented several programmes to improve access to finance, strengthen entrepreneurship and encourage innovation across the state.
He revealed that KASEDA facilitated the creation of 5,373 direct and indirect jobs in 2025, while more than 10,000 businesses were formalised, enabling them to access government support, financial services and new market opportunities.
The governor said the state’s MSMEs Managed Fund, implemented in partnership with the Bank of Industry and Sterling Bank Plc, has significantly expanded access to affordable financing for entrepreneurs.
He disclosed that 394 MSMEs benefited from interest-free loans through Sterling Bank, while 111 businesses accessed similar loans through the Bank of Industry. He added that another 3,131 loan applications are currently being processed.
Radda also highlighted the success of the ₦200 million Building Your Future Programme, through which more than 1,000 young entrepreneurs across the state’s 34 local government areas received startup capital to establish and expand their businesses.
On skills development, the governor said the KASEDA-NATA Mechatronics Apprenticeship Support Programme is training 3,000 youths in automobile and mechanical trades, with 1,169 graduates of the first phase receiving starter packs worth over ₦233 million to launch their businesses.
He further disclosed that the KASEDA Digital Academy has trained 684 young people, awarded 312 professional certifications, completed 64 digital projects and supported 19 startups and digital service businesses.
The governor noted that Katsina also hosted the National Expanded MSMEs Clinic, providing entrepreneurs with access to business advisory services, financing opportunities, digital transformation support and regulatory guidance.
Radda said the achievements demonstrate that innovation, skills development, access to finance and strategic partnerships remain essential for building resilient businesses and sustainable industries.
“As we celebrate the 2026 International MSMEs Day, we recognise and appreciate the resilience, creativity and contributions of our entrepreneurs who continue to drive economic growth in our state,” he said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive through continued investments in enterprise development, industrial growth and innovation.
KASEDA, meanwhile, said it would continue collaborating with the Bank of Industry to ensure that eligible businesses receive timely financial support to expand operations, create jobs and contribute to the state’s economic development.
