The Kano State Government is set to sign a series of landmark investment Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with Morocco, targeting renewable energy, agriculture, and commerce, as part of its goal to reposition the state’s economy.
This was contained in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday.
Speaking after the meeting, Kano State Governor, Yusuf Kabir said, “This partnership with Morocco represents a turning point for Kano’s economy. We are ready to harness the power of international collaboration to drive energy access, improve food security, and create sustainable jobs for our people.”
This development follows a high-level investment mission to Morocco led by the Governor of Kano State, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.
The delegation held strategic meetings with key Moroccan institutions, including the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy, the Moroccan Agency for Africa, and the Casablanca Chamber of Commerce.
Speaking after the meeting, Yusuf said, “This partnership with Morocco represents a turning point for Kano’s economy. We are ready to harness the power of international collaboration to drive energy access, improve food security, and create sustainable jobs for our people.”
Arewa PUNCH reports that one of the major outcomes of the visit is a proposed partnership with MASEN, which includes technical collaboration to support Kano’s transition to clean energy.
MASEN, renowned for managing one of Africa’s largest solar power plants in Ouarzazate – generating 500 megawatts – has pledged to share its expertise, lessons learned, and offer technical support for the Light-Up Kano Initiative, which aims to generate 2,000 megawatts of solar energy within five years.
“We see in Kano a committed partner,” said a MASEN representative. “Their vision for solar energy aligns with our goals for a greener Africa. Our cooperation will focus on knowledge exchange, capacity building, and infrastructure support.”
The agreement will also explore areas such as investor identification, financing models, and cutting-edge technologies for energy storage and efficient distribution, particularly for industrial use in Kano.
In a separate engagement, the Casablanca Chamber of Commerce – one of Africa’s leading private sector platforms – has expressed its willingness to collaborate with Kano State in areas of renewable energy and solid minerals development.
“Kano has immense potential, and we believe our joint efforts can unlock new economic opportunities,” said Mr. Mustapha El Mansouri, a representative of the Chamber. “We are particularly keen on expanding trade relations and supporting mining investments that align with sustainability standards.”
This partnership is expected to boost the state’s economy with projections of attracting up to $10 billion in investments over the next five years.
Additionally, the delegation met with OCP Africa, one of the world’s largest fertiliser producers.
OCP welcomed the partnership, proposing new agricultural development projects that include fertiliser blending plants, advanced supply chain systems, and support for smallholder farmers through modern farming technologies.
“Our goal is to help Kano revolutionize its agricultural sector,” said OCP Africa’s Regional Director. “We are confident that with the right inputs and infrastructure, Kano can become a model for agribusiness in West Africa.”
Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Director General, Media and Publicity, who was part of the delegation, noted: “This visit is just the beginning. We are setting the stage for concrete actions that will transform Kano’s economy across strategic sectors.”
The members of the Kano delegation included key officials such as: Usman Bala, the Special Adviser to the Governor on State Affairs; Comrade Ibrahim Garba Waiya, Commissioner for Information; Aisha L. Saji, Commissioner for History and Culture; Nasiru Sule Garo, Commissioner for Special Duties.
Others include: Ibrahim Musa, Special Adviser on Health Services; Muhammad Nazir Halliru, Director General, Kano State Investment Promotion Agency; Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General, Media and Publicity; Kabiru Magashi, Managing Director, Kano Agricultural Supply Company; and Alhaji Shehu Muhammad Dankadai, Sarkin Shanun Kano, representing the Kano Emirate Council.
The visit marks a major milestone in the state’s pursuit of global partnerships to fast-track industrial growth, clean energy transition, and sustainable agricultural development
