The economic landscape of Northern Nigeria is poised for a significant transformation with the imminent launch of a landmark regional initiative focused on galvanizing indigenous enterprise, celebrating rich cultural heritage, and fostering innovation. This ambitious, simultaneous multi-state event is being organized to coincide with the internationally recognized Global Entrepreneurship Week 2025, scheduled for November 22nd and 23rd.
The core objective of this massive coordinated effort is to proactively reposition the region as a nexus of commerce, creativity, and agricultural capability, challenging outdated perceptions of economic limitation.
Strategic Objectives and Scope
This initiative, spearheaded by convener Hajiya Shuhda Muhammed, is conceived as a comprehensive economic booster, unifying all nineteen northern states under a single banner of progress. It will function as an unparalleled marketplace and forum, designed to elevate the visibility of various key economic drivers:
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Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and Artisans: Providing a dedicated space for showcasing locally produced goods, specialized crafts, and value-added agricultural products.
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Creative and Culinary Sectors: Highlighting the dynamism of the region’s fashion, food technology, cultural performance, and artistic industries.
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Innovators and Youth Entrepreneurs: Creating a vital platform for young people to present pioneering ideas and technological solutions.
Refocusing the Economic Narrative
Hajiya Muhammed emphasized that the time has come to reclaim and project the North’s historical status as a powerhouse of African commerce. She drew attention to the region’s historical prominence in trans-Saharan trade, citing legacies such as the famous Kano dye pits and Katsina leatherworks, which exemplify centuries of entrepreneurial spirit and sophisticated craftsmanship.
“Despite our deep-rooted history in trade and agriculture—the very foundations of our strength—unflattering stereotypes have often overshadowed our true potential,” she stated. “This movement aims to bridge the gap between our esteemed commercial ancestry and our modern economic trajectory.”
The festival’s framework is strategically built around the acronym A.R.E.W.A. (Africa Rebuilding Economy With Agriculture), signaling a clear commitment to fostering growth in synergistic sectors: trade, agricultural processing, enterprise development, and the burgeoning creative, tourism, and hospitality industries.
Core Program Pillars
The two-day program is structured to provide both commercial opportunities and intellectual stimulus:
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Commercial Showcases: Extensive trade exhibitions, dedicated culinary and cultural exchange zones, and focused fashion/craft displays.
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Knowledge Exchange: High-level panel discussions featuring both local leaders and international experts. These sessions will focus on actionable strategies for business scaling, integrating culture into sustainable economic models, and developing robust regional value chains.
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Investment Networking: Structured opportunities for emerging entrepreneurs to forge critical links with established business veterans, venture capitalists, and development organizations.
By mobilizing all 19 states simultaneously, the organizers aim to establish this inaugural event as the blueprint for one of Africa’s most expansive annual gatherings dedicated to the intersection of culture and entrepreneurial vitality. It represents a determined step towards reshaping the global perception and internal prosperity of Northern Nigeria.
