The Kano State Government is aiming to attract over $10 billion in investments from Morocco’s leading companies over the next five years. The funds will be directed towards the development of renewable energy and solid minerals, marking a significant step in the state’s economic transformation.
The announcement was made on Sunday by Sunusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, media aide to Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf. Dawakin-Tofa revealed that Kano has embarked on a strategic partnership with prestigious Moroccan firms, with the goal of boosting the state’s economy through targeted investments in energy, agriculture, and commerce.
The partnership with Morocco follows a high-level investment mission led by Governor Kabir-Yusuf to the North African country. During the visit, the delegation from Kano held strategic discussions with key Moroccan institutions, including the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN), the Moroccan Agency for Africa (OCP Africa), and the Casablanca Chamber of Commerce.
According to Dawakin-Tofa, the MoUs (Memoranda of Understanding) that are set to be signed will focus primarily on renewable energy, agriculture, and commerce, in line with Kano’s strategic plan to reposition its economy for sustainable growth.
Kano aims to leverage this partnership to attract up to $10 billion in investments over the next five years. The state government’s investment strategy focuses on renewable energy technologies, especially solar power, as well as the development of solid minerals, which are abundant in the region.
Dawakin-Tofa emphasized that the collaboration with Morocco’s prestigious institutions will lead to joint efforts in several key areas, including identifying investors, developing financing models, and adopting cutting-edge technologies for energy storage and distribution.
“The Casablanca Chamber of Commerce, one of Africa’s leading private sector platforms, has expressed its willingness to collaborate with Kano in the areas of renewable energy and solid minerals development,” he stated.
The partnership is expected to bring immense economic benefits, not only for the state but for the entire country, by contributing to the development of cleaner, sustainable energy sources and strengthening the industrial infrastructure in Kano.
A key outcome of the Kano delegation’s visit to Morocco was a proposed partnership with the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN). MASEN is renowned for managing one of Africa’s largest solar power plants in Ouarzazate, which generates 500 megawatts of solar energy.
Under this partnership, MASEN will provide technical collaboration to support Kano’s ambitious “Light-Up Kano Initiative,” which aims to generate 2,000 megawatts of solar energy within five years. The expertise and technical support provided by MASEN will be pivotal in helping the state achieve its clean energy transition goals.
Dawakin-Tofa said that Kano plans to focus on solar power as a key part of its energy future, particularly for industrial use. The move is expected to significantly reduce the state’s reliance on fossil fuels and contribute to the global fight against climate change.
“The partnership with MASEN will play a crucial role in our quest for cleaner and more efficient energy. Kano aims to become a leader in renewable energy production and distribution in West Africa,” he added.
The Kano delegation also held talks with OCP Africa, one of the world’s largest fertilizer producers. The discussions with OCP focused on boosting the agricultural sector in Kano through the establishment of fertilizer blending plants, enhanced supply chain systems, and support for smallholder farmers using modern farming technologies.
OCP Africa’s involvement in Kano’s agricultural development is expected to bring innovative solutions to the state’s farming community. This collaboration is seen as a key part of Governor Kabir-Yusuf’s broader economic vision, which seeks to enhance agricultural productivity, increase food security, and create jobs in rural areas.
The proposed agricultural development projects with OCP are part of Kano’s long-term plans to position itself as a major agricultural hub in Nigeria, especially in the areas of crop production and sustainable farming practices.
Kano’s ambitious $10 billion investment strategy aims not only to modernize the energy and agriculture sectors but also to create thousands of jobs for local residents. As one of Nigeria’s largest states, Kano is keen on utilizing its strategic location and resources to attract more foreign investments, drive industrialization, and enhance its economic output.
The state government’s efforts to develop renewable energy and solid minerals will not only reduce the state’s dependence on imports but also create a strong local economy that can withstand external shocks. In addition to these economic benefits, the development of clean energy and sustainable agriculture is expected to improve the living standards of Kano’s population and attract even more international investors in the future.
Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf has made it clear that his administration is committed to building a sustainable and diversified economy that will serve the people of Kano for generations to come. In a statement, the governor praised the partnership with Morocco and highlighted the importance of renewable energy and solid minerals as key drivers of the state’s economic transformation.
“We are working hard to make Kano the leading state in Nigeria in terms of industrialization, clean energy, and agricultural innovation. This partnership with Morocco will bring the expertise and investment we need to achieve these goals,” Kabir-Yusuf said.
The governor also highlighted the importance of collaboration with international partners, noting that the partnership with Morocco aligns with the state’s ongoing efforts to engage in global dialogues about economic development, environmental sustainability, and technological advancement.
