KatsinaTimes | 22 Nov 2025
Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has become the first Nigerian state governor to participate in Ambition Africa, a major international investment forum held under the patronage of French President Emmanuel Macron.
The 2025 edition of the event took place at the French Ministry of Economy and Finance in Paris, bringing together global investors, senior policymakers, development agencies and business leaders from across Europe and Africa. Top French officials in attendance included Nicolas Forissier, Minister Delegate for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness; Didier Boulogne, Chief Operating Officer of Business France’s Export Division; and Sandra Kassab, Africa Director at the Agence Française de Développement (AFD). Delegations from Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Kenya, Libya, Sierra Leone, and the Democratic Republic of Congo were also present.
Speaking at the forum, Governor Radda reaffirmed Katsina’s commitment to expanding clean energy, promoting environmental sustainability and strengthening long-term energy security. He said the state is pursuing initiatives to improve electricity access for industries, public institutions, small businesses and rural communities.
The governor highlighted Katsina’s ongoing partnerships with French Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), describing France as a dependable ally in the state’s energy transition. He also assured investors that Katsina remains stable, secure and ready for responsible investment, noting that the state has reinforced security through improved community structures, inter-agency collaboration and governance reforms.
Radda featured on a high-level panel titled *“Meeting Africa’s Energy Challenge: What Sustainable Solutions?”* where he joined global energy leaders including Jeanette Gitobu of the Global Wind Energy Council, Prince Dave Dougagou Nzamba of ESOLVE-SDC, Nicolas Sureau of Eiffage Energie Systèmes, Florence Maxwell-Aylwin of Venture Konect and Belkacem Haftar of the Libya Reconstruction & Development Fund.
He briefed participants on emerging opportunities in Northern Nigeria’s energy market, stressing the need for scalable, reliable and affordable power solutions. The governor said Katsina began its reform process with a comprehensive statewide energy assessment covering ministries, hospitals, schools, water facilities and all local government areas. The findings led to the development of the state’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which prioritises hybrid power systems, decentralized energy solutions, expanded rural electrification and private-sector participation.
Radda noted that the objective is not only to increase power supply but to build a resilient and future-ready energy ecosystem capable of supporting industrial and economic development.
He also showcased key renewable energy initiatives, including the hybridisation of the 10MW Lambar Rimi Wind Farm with an additional 10MW solar component, ongoing deployment of solar-plus-battery systems in critical institutions, expansion of mini-grid networks and small-hydro power projects such as the 1MW Danja Dam scheme being undertaken by French developers with support from the French Treasury.
The governor announced that plans are underway for a large-scale solar project within the proposed Green Economic Zone—a dedicated industrial and clean-energy corridor expected to accommodate export-oriented manufacturers, agro-processing firms and technology-driven enterprises. He said the solar infrastructure would guarantee steady power for industries and attract climate-conscious investors.
Radda encouraged French companies to explore opportunities in solar deployment, wind rehabilitation, battery storage, mini-hydro systems and clean-energy solutions for agricultural value chains, particularly cold-chain services. He highlighted Katsina’s investor-friendly environment, including streamlined regulations, accessible land and transparent Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) models that provide long-term protection for private investments.
Addressing concerns about security, he insisted that Katsina remains open and conducive for investment, adding that renewable energy projects directly boost economic resilience through job creation and youth engagement.
He concluded that Katsina’s strong renewable energy resources—ranging from world-class solar potential to proven wind and hydro sites position the state as a rising hub for affordable and sustainable clean energy in Northern Nigeria.
