At the prestigious 2025 Oxford Africa Business Forum, held at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, took center stage to champion his state’s potential and call for international investment. The forum, a gathering of global business leaders, policymakers, and academics, provided the perfect platform for Radda to showcase Katsina’s strategic advantages and urge foreign investors and development finance institutions to fund key projects in agriculture, energy, and technology.
Radda, who participated as a guest speaker, delved into the theme ‘Africa’s Growth Trajectory: Globalisation vs. Domestic Collaboration’. He highlighted Katsina State’s proactive approach to development, citing significant policy reviews aimed at creating a conducive environment for investment and ease of doing business. The governor’s address underscored the state’s commitment to leveraging technology and its youthful population to drive economic growth and unlock Africa’s potential in the 21st century.
One of the standout initiatives Radda discussed was Katsina’s Climate Smart Agriculture Policy. This policy, along with its pilot programme, is designed to tackle the pressing issues of climate change and climate-induced conflicts, ensuring food security and agricultural sustainability. By addressing these challenges head-on, Katsina State is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable development and a prime destination for impactful investments.
During a panel discussion on ‘Strength in Unity: The Power of African Domestic Collaboration’, Radda shared his insights on the African Continental Free Trade Area, regional security, cross-border trade, and sustainable development. He emphasized the importance of African nations working together to overcome common challenges, stating that partnerships and cooperation are critical to solving the continent’s problems.
The forum also served as a networking opportunity for Radda, who engaged in discussions with potential investors and development finance institutions. These talks focused on funding Katsina State’s initiatives in agriculture, energy, and technology, which are pivotal to the state’s economic growth strategy. Additionally, Radda explored potential collaborations with Saïd Business School for executive training programmes and the Blavatnik School of Government for public and civil service training. These collaborations aim to enhance governance and service delivery in Katsina, ensuring that the state is well-equipped to manage and benefit from incoming investments.
The Katsina delegation, which included key officials such as the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Abdulkadir Mamman Nasir, and the Economic Adviser to the Governor, Khalil Nur Khalil, played a crucial role in these discussions. Their presence underscored the state’s commitment to leveraging international partnerships to drive development and economic growth.
The implications of Radda’s participation and the subsequent engagements are significant. By actively seeking international investment and collaboration, Katsina State is not only positioning itself as a hub for economic activity but also setting a precedent for other states in Nigeria and across Africa. The focus on agriculture, energy, and technology aligns with global trends and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, making Katsina an attractive prospect for investors looking to make a positive impact. Furthermore, the emphasis on domestic collaboration and regional integration highlights a forward-thinking approach to development, one that recognizes the interconnected nature of Africa’s challenges and opportunities.
