Katsina, Nigeria – In a major push for grassroots economic development, Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has approved a N500 million entrepreneurship fund targeting 7,220 rural women and youths across all 34 LGAs. The initiative, dubbed ‘Dikko Rural Women and Youths Entrepreneurship Support Programme’, combines low-interest loans with business training to combat poverty and unemployment.
Key Programme Details
Funding: N500M revolving loan scheme (80% repayment target)
Beneficiaries: 7,220 rural women/youths in nano/micro businesses
Structure:
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Loans disbursed through registered cooperatives for accountability
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Mandatory financial literacy & business management training
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Digital skills component via new KASEDA Digital Academy
Hajiya Aisha Aminu-Malumfashi (KASEDA DG):
“This isn’t just cash handouts—we’re building sustainable livelihoods through skills and structured financing.”
Double Empowerment Strategy
Capital Injection: Loans to start/scale small businesses
Capacity Building:
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Digital literacy for e-commerce
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Entrepreneurial training
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Cooperative management
Why This Matters
Economic Ripple Effect: Expected to stimulate local economies across Katsina’s rural communities
Gender Focus: 70%+ women beneficiaries to boost household incomes
Future-Proofing: Digital academy prepares youths for online business opportunities
Governor Radda’s Vision:
“When our women and youths thrive, Katsina thrives. This programme is our blueprint for inclusive growth.”
