Kano digital market targets ₦50bn revenue, 100,000 jobs

Kano, Nigeria is set to become a significant commercial and distribution hub for West Africa with the commissioning of the Hajaj-ZOEC Digital Market. The newly established market is projected to generate approximately ₦50 billion in revenue and create more than 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, according to Alhaji Jamilu Abdussalam, CEO of Hajaj ZOEC Real Estate Limited.

Developed under a Public-Private Partnership involving the Kano State Government, Hajaj ZOEC Real Estate Limited, and ZOEC Construction, the market is situated at the former Luxurious Bus Park along New Road, Tudun Wada, Sabon Gari. Abdussalam described it as one of West Africa's largest dedicated electrical and electronics markets, designed to house over 1,500 shops and consolidate dealers under one roof with modern infrastructure.

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We believe this market is not only an opportunity for Kano State or Northern Nigeria but for the entire African continent. Instead of travelling all the way to China to purchase goods in bulk, traders will be able to come to Kano and place their orders here.

"Instead of travelling all the way to China to purchase goods in bulk, traders will be able to come to Kano and place their orders here," Abdussalam stated, highlighting the market's potential to attract international partners, including companies from Egypt and China, which have already established showrooms. The project, valued between ₦25 billion and ₦30 billion, has already sold 60-65% of its shops and features extensive amenities like basement parking for 700 vehicles and underground storage for 30 containers.

The economic impact is anticipated to be substantial, with over 8,000 individuals benefiting during the construction phase alone. Once fully operational, the market is expected to significantly deepen commerce, create employment, and lessen the reliance on overseas sourcing for electrical and electronic goods, according to the project developers. The Federal Government, represented by the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, also affirmed its commitment to streamlining PPP arrangements to boost private sector involvement in infrastructure development.

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The economic impact will be enormous. During construction alone, over 1,000 people, including labourers, masons and professionals, worked on the site every day. When suppliers and other participants in the value chain are included, more than 8,000 people have already benefited from the project. After the market is fully operational, we project that more than 100,000 people will benefit directly and indirectly.