By Mashe Umaru Gwamna
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umar Radda has said that his government will build a dynamic ecosystem where businesses can thrive, innovate, and compete not only locally but globally.
Radda stated this on Thursday in Abuja, during the Katsina nMSMEs Stakeholders Roundtable.
He said Katsina State’s vision for MSMEs development is rooted in the belief that a vibrant MSMEs sector is the key to inclusive economic growth, job creation, and long-term prosperity.
“Our approach is based on creating a supportive environment for entrepreneurs, facilitating access to finance, fostering skills development, and providing the infrastructure needed to unlock the full potential of our people.
“With this vision in mind, our efforts are centred around establishing an ecosystem where every small business has the opportunity to grow, every entrepreneur is empowered with the right tools, and where collaboration between the public and private sectors paves the way for sustainable development.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, today’s roundtable meeting is not just a forum to present our achievements—it is a platform to engage with you, our valued stakeholders, showcase our progress, gain your support and foster dialogue and partnerships.
“This gathering represents a unique opportunity for us to collaborate on innovative solutions and initiatives that will shape the future of small businesses in Katsina. Together, we can chart a course towards a brighter, more prosperous future”.
While speaking about the challenges of MSME sector in Katsina State, he said small businesses struggled with accessing affordable financing due to stringent loan conditions and the lack of tailored financial products.
He added that entrepreneurs had limited access to advisory services and business support, leaving many without the guidance needed for growth.
“Inadequate Data for Decision-Making: There was a critical gap in reliable data on the number, distribution, and needs of MSMEs in the state, making it difficult to formulate targeted interventions, measure their impact, and effectively plan for their growth.
“Lack of Market Access and Linkages: Businesses faced challenges in accessing broader markets, restricting their ability to scale and compete.
“Skills Gap and Capacity Constraints: A significant portion of our workforce lacked the skills needed to thrive in today’s economy.
“Absence of Institutionalized MSME Support: There was no dedicated structure to coordinate MSME activities, leading to a fragmented support ecosystem.
“Poor Infrastructure and Unfriendly Business Environment: The absence of critical infrastructure, alongside regulatory hurdles, limited the potential of many small enterprises.
“Barriers to Innovation and Entrepreneurship: There were insufficient structures to encourage creativity and innovation, which are vital for MSME success.
“A Weak MSME Ecosystem: These issues combined to create a weak MSME ecosystem that hindered job creation and economic growth, leaving many aspiring entrepreneurs without a path forward.”
