The inaugural Kano Startup Weekend (KSW) 2025, held on December 13–14, 2025, at the Coronation Hall in Kano, marked a major milestone in Northern Nigeria’s digital journey. Organized by the Kano State Information Technology Development Agency (KASITDA), the event served as a high-impact launchpad for the state’s Digital Transformation Agenda (2025–2030).
The weekend brought together over 1,000 participants—including founders, investors, and policymakers—to focus on the state’s priority HEAT sectors: Health, Education, Agriculture, and Transportation.
Interswitch: Empowering Regional Innovation
As a key sponsor, Interswitch played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between early-stage ideas and market-ready solutions. Patrick Okebu, Interswitch’s Chief Information Officer, delivered a keynote address emphasizing that “innovation thrives when founders have access to the right platforms and mentorship.”
Interswitch’s Key Contributions:
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Developer-Friendly Platforms: Providing startups with access to payment gateways and digital commerce APIs to build scalable businesses.
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Strategic Mentorship: Expert-led sessions on product development, funding readiness, and customer acquisition.
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Scaling Infrastructure: Guidance on leveraging secure digital infrastructure to compete in the broader Nigerian and African economy.
The HEAT Pitch Competition
The center-piece of the event was a high-stakes pitch competition where 20 pre-selected startups competed for seed funding and strategic partnerships. The competition highlighted homegrown solutions designed to solve local challenges:
| Sector | Core Focus Area at KSW 2025 |
| Health | Telemedicine and digital health records for rural access. |
| Education | EdTech platforms focused on digital literacy and vocational skills. |
| Agriculture | Smart-agri tools for yield optimization and market access. |
| Transportation | Mobility-as-a-service solutions for urban and regional logistics. |
Strengthening the Policy Framework
Beyond the competition, the event featured the launch of the Fix Kano App, a digital citizen-engagement platform unveiled by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. This app allows residents to report community issues directly to the government, embodying the “E-Government” pillar of the state’s 5-year roadmap.
KASITDA’s 2030 Vision Targets:
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100,000 youths trained in high-demand tech skills.
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500 startups incubated through its Digital & Creative Economy Innovation Centre.
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80% broadband penetration statewide.
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70% of government services digitized for public access.
“KSW 2025 is more than an event; it is a critical launchpad for the next generation of Kanawa entrepreneurs.” — Dr. Bashir Abdu Muzakkari, DG of KASITDA.
