Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has joined Vice President Kashim Shettima, other government officials, global investors and technology executives at a high-level roundtable on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The roundtable, titled “Africa Forward: Investing in the Next Decade of Growth,” was convened by Flutterwave to explore ways of scaling African businesses into global companies through stronger financial infrastructure and integrated cross-border payment systems.
The session was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and executives from Goldman Sachs, Africa50, 500 Global, Absa, AFC and Amazon, among others.
Speaking at the event, Governor Radda highlighted the role of subnational governments in creating an environment where technology entrepreneurs and businesses can thrive.
He said innovation grows faster when supportive policies, infrastructure and effective regulation work together.
Radda also called for stronger collaboration between state governments and fintech companies to expand financial inclusion and improve access to credit for micro, small and medium enterprises.
“Our MSMEs do not lack ideas or energy. What they lack is access. When government and fintechs work together, we can close that gap,” the governor said.
He further urged Nigerian technology companies to expand their focus beyond consumer-oriented services and develop solutions for the public sector.
According to him, technology-driven public sector solutions can strengthen transparency and make government services more accessible and efficient for citizens.
The governor reaffirmed the Katsina State Government’s commitment to using technology and strategic partnerships to promote inclusive economic growth, empower MSMEs and attract investment to the state.
The roundtable formed part of broader discussions at the UN General Assembly on Africa’s economic prospects, investment opportunities, financial technology and the role of private capital in supporting the continent’s next phase of growth.
