Boosting MSMEs in Katsina State: How Nura’s Business Transformed Through The Prevention Facility

With support from the government of Germany, through the Prevention Facility project and in collaboration with the Katsina State government, UNDP has provided Financial Management training and grants to local business owners.

Entrepreneurs and small business owners often aspire to expand and access better tools and capital, but external factors frequently limit their opportunities. As a result, many are constrained by what is available to them, affecting their income, resilience, and the overall productivity of their communities. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Prevention Facility Project in the Northwest is helping to address these challenges by providing support and resources aimed at boosting business capacity, resilience, and community productivity. 

With support from the government of Germany, through the Prevention Facility project and in collaboration with the Katsina State government, UNDP has provided Financial Management training and grants to local business owners. This initiative aims to equip entrepreneurs and small business owners with the skills and resources needed to improve their financial planning, budgeting, and overall business management. By doing so, the project helps enhance business owner’s capacity to grow and sustain their businesses, making them more resilient to external economic challenges. Additionally, the financial grants provide much-needed capital to expand operations, purchase better tools, and increase productivity. Ultimately, this initiative is designed to boost local economies, reduce poverty, and improve community livelihoods in the Northwest region. 

Dr. Sadiq Mutazu, the Program Manager for the Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA), highlighted the significant support provided by UNDP and its impact on the local economy. “The Financial Management training and grants offered through the Prevention Facility project have empowered over 2000 small business owners with essential skills and resources to improve their operations. This, in turn, has led to increased business growth, job creation, and enhanced resilience to economic challenges, ultimately boosting the local economy in Katsina State” 

Dr. Mutazu praised the collaboration between UNDP, the government of Germany, and the Katsina State government for fostering sustainable economic development in the region. 

35 years old Nura Usman, a small-scale trader residing in Jibia LGA, Katsina State, is a unique example of how impactful the UNDP-supported initiatives can be.  

For years, Nura struggled to expand his business despite his determination. Limited access to capital, tools, and financial knowledge hindered his growth. However, through one of the Prevention Facility project components, (economic revitalization/livelihood), Nura received Financial Management training and a grant, enabling him to improve his business operations. This support not only helped him increase his income but also enhanced his ability to withstand economic challenges, transforming his livelihood and contributing to the economic resilience of his community 

“I started trading immediately after finishing secondary school, so I’ve been in the business for over 20 years. I managed to establish a shop, which I’ve run for years,” Nura narrates. “But I realized I was just moving in circles. My business was not growing, and sometimes I even had to go into debt just to keep it afloat. I was not happy at all. The insecurity around the border only made things worse, as customers could not cross over to buy my goods, I was barely surviving, living hand to mouth. “ Nura narrates 

Nura was among the first 1,000 participants to receive financial management training and grants through Katsina State Enterprise Development Agency (KASEDA) under the Prevention Facility Project. He had the opportunity to access a One million Naira loan, which has since helped his business grow from strength to strength. 

“I never believed I could have access to such training and a loan,” Nura shared. “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I was presented with my certificate and grant. As soon as I received the money, I put into action everything I had learned. I changed my approach to business, and ever since, I’ve seen rapid growth—not just in sales, but also in manpower. 

Now, I keep proper bookkeeping, I save a portion of my profits every month, and the most important thing is that I’ve been able to employ over six people. In doing so, I’m contributing to the local economy and supporting others in my community” Nura explains with. joy on his face 

Nura has since expanded his business and expresses delight in how convenient the loan repayment process has been. He expressed gratitude to UNDP and the Katsina State government for their support, acknowledging the positive impact the project has had on his business and livelihood. 

“I want to sincerely thank UNDP and the Katsina State government for empowering business owners like me,” Nura shared. “This initiative will not only help us grow our businesses but also strengthen the local economy by creating more jobs and opportunities for others.” Nura expresses 

CREDIT: UNDP NIGERIA