Kaduna eyes more development partners for projects' expansion

Kaduna State is making waves at the Africa Investment Forum in Abidjan as the state eyes more development partners for project expansion. Nur Khalil, the Representative of the Kaduna State Governor at the forum, emphasized the state's commitment to attracting domestic and global investors to drive Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and boost priority areas of development. In a recent interview with CNBC Africa, Khalil highlighted the state's focus on the digital economy, infrastructure development, value-added economic activities, and the establishment of special industrial processing zones to propel growth and create more opportunities for its teeming youth population. One key theme that emerged from the interview is the state's strategic plan to diversify its economy and reduce dependence on federal allocations. Khalil emphasized the importance of increasing IGR over the next five years, with a keen focus on creating more jobs for the youth demographic in the state. By attracting investments in sectors such as agriculture, solid minerals, and digital technology, Kaduna State aims to stimulate economic growth, improve infrastructure, and foster community development. Three key points stood out from Khalil's discussion at the forum. Firstly, the state is actively seeking investments in the digital economy to leverage technology for economic advancement. With a specific focus on infrastructure development, Kaduna State is partnering with institutions like the African Development Bank to fund key projects such as the green economic zone and special industrial processing zones. Secondly, Khalil highlighted the importance of attracting investors with significant ticket sizes ranging from one million to billions of dollars, as these investments are crucial for creating markets and supporting small and medium enterprises in the state. Lastly, Kaduna State is keen on delivering tangible benefits to its citizens through increased IGR, job creation, and improved community infrastructure. By engaging with investors and development partners, the state aims to enhance the quality of life for its residents and drive sustainable growth. In terms of project development stages, Khalil mentioned that initiatives such as the green economic zone are in the process of infrastructure construction, with funding from multilateral institutions like the African Development Bank. Additionally, projects like the special industrial processing zones are advancing towards signing subsidiary loan agreements, indicating a proactive approach to project implementation and investor engagement. As Kaduna State continues to expand its investment portfolio and attract development partners, the state stands poised to unlock new opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and infrastructure enhancement. By leveraging the Africa Investment Forum platform, Kaduna State is not only showcasing its potential as an investment destination but also signaling its commitment to sustainable development and prosperity for its citizens.