Our Story

About KEDI

Building the entrepreneurial capital of Kano State since 2008

KEDI history – enterprise development institution Kano State Nigeria
Our Background

Who We Are

The Kano State Entrepreneurship Development Institute (KEDI) was established by the Kano State Government as one of the primary institutional vehicle for driving enterprise development, economic self-reliance, and productive empowerment among the people of Kano.

Operating across all 44 Local Government Areas, KEDI has trained tens of thousands of beneficiaries in vocational skills, business development, digital literacy, and green enterprise — with a deliberate focus on women, youth, and economically vulnerable communities.

Aligned with His Excellency Abba Kabir Yusuf. The Executive Governor Of Kano State KANO FIRST and Kano State's development priorities, KEDI serves as a bridge between grassroots communities and the broader national and federal enterprise ecosystem.

Our Purpose

Mission & Vision

Our Mission

To develop, promote, and sustain entrepreneurship in Kano State by providing world-class skills training, business development support, enterprise incubation, and access to market and finance opportunities for all citizens — with special attention to women, youth, and the most vulnerable.

Our Vision

To be the leading sub-national enterprise development institution in Nigeria — building a thriving, self-sustaining entrepreneurial economy in Kano that uplifts families, creates dignified jobs, and drives regional prosperity for present and future generations.

Core Values

  • Integrity & Accountability
  • Inclusivity & Gender Equity
  • Innovation & Excellence
  • Community Ownership
  • Sustainability & Impact
Executive Leadership

The Executive Governor

Under whose vision and leadership KEDI continues to thrive

Executive Governor of Kano State – official portrait
Executive Governor

His Excellency, Alh. Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf

Executive Governor of Kano State, Federal Republic of Nigeria

Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf is the current Executive Governor of Kano State, Nigeria. He assumed office in 2023. Governor Yusuf has a background in engineering and grassroots politics. His administration is widely associated with the kano First movement, emphasising pro-poor policies, free education, healthcare access, youth empowerment, and massive infrastructure renewal. Governor Yusuf is committed to revitalising Kano’s economy through agriculture, trade, and industrialisation, while prioritising transparency and inclusive governance.

Key Achievements

Education Reform The governor has restored free primary and secondary education, including payment of examination fees (WAEC, NECO) for indigent students. He launched the Kano State Education Recovery Programme, renovating thousands of classrooms, supplying free learning materials, and recruiting qualified teachers. Technical and vocational education is being expanded to equip youth with marketable skills.
Economic Development To boost local production, Governor Yusuf revived dormant state‑owned enterprises (e.g., Challawa Industrial Layout). He launched Kano Agricultural Revolution – subsidised fertiliser, seeds, and irrigation support to smallholder farmers. The government is also promoting small‑scale industries (textiles, leather, furniture) and established one‑stop investment desks to attract private capital.
Youth Empowerment Governor Yusuf created the Kano Youth Empowerment Agency (KYEA), providing interest‑free loans, digital skills training, and startup grants. Thousands of youths have been engaged in agricultural schemes (e.g., tomato and rice production), ICT hubs, and sports development. A youth advisory council ensures direct input into policy.
Agriculture & Environment Governor Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration has launched the Kano Agricultural Transformation Agenda to boost food security and create rural jobs. Key interventions include distribution of high‑yield seeds, subsidised fertiliser, and modern irrigation equipment to over 100,000 smallholder farmers. The government is reviving moribund farm settlements, establishing agro‑processing centres for tomatoes, rice, and groundnuts, and partnering with commodity exchanges to guarantee fair prices. Livestock development (dairy, leather) and dry‑season farming are also prioritised, positioning Kano as a leading agricultural hub in northern Nigeria.
Healthcare The administration rehabilitated over 200 primary healthcare centres and deployed mobile clinics to hard‑to‑reach areas. Free maternal and child health services were introduced, alongside distribution of essential drugs. The governor also relaunched the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Scheme, making affordable health coverage accessible to low‑income families.
Infrastructure Key roads within Kano metropolis and rural link roads are under massive reconstruction, including the iconic Kano‑Dawakin Kudu road. The governor prioritised drainage systems to combat perennial flooding. Solar streetlights and water supply rehabilitation projects are ongoing across the 44 local government areas, improving public safety and daily life.