At the prestigious 2025 Oxford Africa Business Forum, Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda made a compelling case for foreign investment and development finance in his state, emphasizing key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and technology. The forum, held at the Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, provided a global stage for Radda to discuss Katsina’s strategic advantages and its readiness to attract significant investments.
Radda, who participated as a guest speaker, delved into the theme ‘Africa’s Growth Trajectory: Globalisation vs. Domestic Collaboration.’ He underscored the policy reviews and institutional frameworks implemented in Katsina to accelerate development and ease of doing business. Notably, he highlighted the state’s Climate Smart Agriculture Policy and pilot programme, designed to combat the impacts of climate change on agriculture and food security. This initiative is particularly relevant as climate change continues to pose significant threats to agricultural productivity and food security across Africa.
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 leveraging Africa’s youthful population and technological advancements to unlock the continent’s potential in the 21st century. Radda’s remarks underscored the need for African nations to collaborate and address common challenges through partnerships and cooperation.
The forum also facilitated discussions with potential investors and development finance institutions interested in funding Katsina’s agricultural, energy, and technology initiatives. These talks could pave the way for substantial investments that drive economic growth and development in the state. Additionally, Radda explored potential collaborations with the 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, aligning with the state’s broader development goals.
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 engaging with global stakeholders and leveraging international partnerships for local development.
Radda’s participation in the forum and his call for investment highlight Katsina’s proactive approach to economic development. By positioning itself as an attractive destination for foreign investment and development finance, the state aims to drive growth in critical sectors and improve the lives of its residents. The discussions and potential collaborations emerging from the forum could significantly impact Katsina’s development trajectory, positioning it as a leader in sustainable and inclusive growth in Nigeria and beyond.
