The Kano State Government is setting the stage for an ambitious leap in clean energy and mineral development, aiming to attract over $10 billion in investments over the next five years through a strategic partnership with top Moroccan firms. This bold initiative is anchored in a series of proposed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with key stakeholders in the Kingdom of Morocco.
In a statement released on Sunday, April 20, 2025, Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf’s media aide, Sunusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, confirmed the development, highlighting the state’s renewed focus on energy, agriculture, and commerce as part of a broader economic repositioning plan.
Strategic Investment Mission
The move follows a high-level investment mission to Morocco, led by Governor Kabir-Yusuf. The Nigerian delegation engaged with strategic Moroccan institutions such as the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, the Moroccan Agency for Sustainable Energy (MASEN), the Moroccan Agency for Africa (OCP Africa), and the Casablanca Chamber of Commerce.
These engagements focused on exploring renewable energy technologies, investment financing models, and cutting-edge solutions for energy storage and industrial distribution, with a particular focus on accelerating Kano’s clean energy agenda.
Boosting Economic Growth
The Casablanca Chamber of Commerce—one of Africa’s leading private-sector institutions—voiced its readiness to collaborate with Kano in renewable energy and solid minerals development. This partnership aligns with the state’s strategic investment plan and is expected to catalyze industrial growth and job creation.
“This partnership is expected to boost the state’s economy and contribute to the projections of attracting up to $10 billion in investments over the next five years,” Dawakin-Tofa said.
Agricultural Innovation and Fertiliser Production
The delegation also held fruitful talks with OCP Africa, a global leader in fertiliser production. OCP proposed new agricultural development projects tailored for Kano, including the establishment of fertiliser blending plants, modern supply chain systems, and support mechanisms for smallholder farmers through access to innovative farming technologies.
Lighting Up Kano with Clean Energy
A major milestone from the Moroccan visit is the proposed collaboration with MASEN—renowned for its operation of Africa’s largest solar plant in Ouarzazate, which produces 500 megawatts of power. MASEN has committed to providing technical support and knowledge transfer to drive the Light-Up Kano Initiative, an ambitious plan to generate 2,000 megawatts of solar power within five years.
“This 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,” said Dawakin-Tofa.
Looking Ahead
Kano’s pursuit of clean energy and international investment highlights the growing importance of cross-border collaboration in addressing Africa’s energy and development needs. If successful, the Moroccan partnership could serve as a model for other Nigerian states and African regions seeking sustainable, high-impact economic transformation.
