In a collaborative effort to drive transformative growth for businesses in Katsina State, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) and the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) recently organised a capacity-building and empowerment programme for 50 natives of the state.
The programme aimed to equip participants with digital marketing skills to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) through the adoption of modern digital technologies.
The three-day capacity-building initiative focused on implementing digital technology adoption among MSMEs in Katsina State and aimed to ensure that businesses leverage relevant digital tools to achieve their objectives.
During the event’s opening ceremony in Katsina, the deputy governor, Mallam Farouk Lawal Jobe emphasised the importance of embracing innovation in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. He commended the participants for their commitment to leveraging technology to propel their businesses forward and urged them to make the most of the knowledge acquired during the training.
Highlighting the significance of MSMEs in driving economic growth, NITDA’s director-general, Kashifu Abdullahi emphasised the agency’s dedication to empowering MSMEs through strategic interventions and tailored programmes. He noted NITDA’s collaboration with the Office of the Vice President in participating in the National Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) clinics, illustrating the agency’s commitment to supporting MSMEs with IT knowledge and guidance.
In his address, Abdullahi called for collective efforts to empower MSMEs with the digital literacy, skills, and tools necessary to thrive in the digital age. He emphasised that embracing the digital frontier would enhance the ease of doing business and foster a more inclusive and resilient economy for all Nigerians.
Acknowledging the funding support from both the Federal and Katsina State governments for MSMEs, Abdullahi highlighted the program as a response from NITDA to a call to action initiated by the President and the state governor.
The director-general of KASEDA, Hajiya Aisha Aminu Malumfashi described the training as an opportunity to explore and harness the power of digital innovation in empowering SMEs, which are crucial for every developing economy. She emphasised the role of MSMEs in driving innovation, fostering entrepreneurship and creating job opportunities, contributing significantly to economic growth and diversification.
Malumfashi outlined the scope and modules of the capacity-building programme, focusing on practical strategies to assist MSMEs in embracing and leveraging digital technologies effectively. The programme, tagged NITDA Digital Empowerment for MSMEs (NDE4M) and themed “Leveraging Digital Technology to Improve MSME’s Business,” aligns with the Redefined Presidential Priority of reforming the economy for sustained inclusive growth and NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 pillar on nurturing an innovative and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The collaborative effort between NITDA and KASEDA signifies a proactive approach towards empowering MSMEs with digital marketing skills, paving the way for enhanced business growth, innovation and economic prosperity in Katsina State.
