A bold move to drive rural electrification and modernize agriculture, Katsina State Governor Dikko Umaru Radda has met with top executives of Desert Technologies and Genesis Energy Group in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, to secure clean energy solutions for underserved communities across the state.
The strategic meeting, held on August 6, was attended by Special Adviser on Power and Energy, Dr. Hafiz Ibrahim, Lead Consultant Haruna Abbagana, and the Chairman of Genesis Energy, among others.
Governor Radda emphasized the crippling post-harvest losses faced by farmers—particularly in southern Katsina—due to a lack of cold storage infrastructure. The partnership will see the deployment of solar-powered, containerized cold storage units to preserve perishables, reduce food waste, boost farmers’ earnings, and improve food security.
“Our administration is committed to transforming agriculture in Katsina. These cold storage solutions will empower our farmers and unlock rural prosperity,” Radda stated.
Beyond agriculture, the discussion also focused on off-grid solar electrification projects aimed at powering public schools, health centers, and mSMEs like tailoring shops, phone charging stations, welding workshops, and barbing salons. The initiative will utilize solar-plus-battery systems, reducing reliance on petrol generators and supporting grassroots entrepreneurship.
“This marks a paradigm shift. Solar energy is not just about lighting homes; it’s about powering dreams,” said Dr. Hafiz Ibrahim, adding that the bottom-up approach will create lasting economic impact.
Under the partnership: Katsina State Government will lead policy and planning, Desert Technologies will supply the solar and cold storage tech, and Genesis Energy Group will facilitate funding and serve as technical and implementation partners.
The Jeddah engagement is a milestone in Radda’s push for energy equity, innovation, and rural empowerment, marking yet another step in delivering people-focused, sustainable development to Katsina’s rural heartlands.
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