Governor Radda Takes Katsina's AI, Digital Government Drive To China

Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda, has embarked on a strategic investment and technology mission to China, leading a high-level delegation aimed at attracting partnerships in artificial intelligence, smart governance, agriculture, manufacturing and digital infrastructure.

The governor said the visit is designed to strengthen existing collaborations with Chinese institutions while exploring new opportunities that will accelerate the implementation of his administration's "Building Your Future" development agenda.

Speaking during engagements with Chinese government and private sector partners, Radda said technology remains central to his administration's vision for transforming governance and driving economic growth across Katsina State.

"Technology has been integrated into our development strategy since the beginning of this administration. We are using it to improve public services, create economic opportunities, strengthen security and support growth across key sectors," the governor said.

According to him, the mission focuses on identifying practical technology solutions capable of improving education, agriculture, healthcare, security, manufacturing, commerce and public administration.

As part of the visit, the delegation reviewed ongoing collaborative projects between Katsina State and Chinese technology partners, particularly those being implemented through the Katsina Directorate of Information and Communications Technology (KATDICT).

One of the flagship projects highlighted during the visit is the Radda Smart Model School, developed in partnership with Huawei Technologies.

The governor said the school operates with uninterrupted electricity, high-speed internet connectivity, interactive smart boards and a Learning Management System designed to enhance digital learning and modern classroom instruction.

Radda also disclosed that Huawei, working alongside KATDICT, donated a Mobile Digital Learning Truck to the state to expand access to digital education.

According to him, the mobile facility is currently delivering digital literacy and technology training to schools and communities, particularly in underserved and rural areas across Katsina State.

In the agricultural sector, the governor said the state is collaborating with Chinese partners on the establishment of the Katsina Agricultural Mechanisation Centre.

He explained that the facility is already improving farmers' access to modern agricultural equipment, boosting productivity and supporting food security initiatives.

During the visit, the delegation held meetings with several leading Chinese technology and industrial companies to discuss areas of mutual cooperation.

The discussions covered digital government systems, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, cybersecurity, smart education, innovation ecosystems and digital public infrastructure.

The delegation also toured Huawei's Global Training Centre, research and development facilities, manufacturing plants, Smart Campus and Integrated Operations Centre (IOC).

Governor Radda said Huawei's Integrated Operations Centre demonstrated how advanced technology could support intelligence-led governance through data integration, real-time monitoring and coordinated emergency response systems.

"The insights gained will help us strengthen security and improve coordination across government institutions in Katsina State," he said.

The Katsina delegation also visited Geely Holding Group, one of China's leading automotive and technology companies.

Discussions with Geely focused on sustainable mobility, electric vehicle technology, intelligent manufacturing and industrial development.

According to the governor, the engagements provided valuable insights into how technology, industrialisation and skills development could accelerate economic diversification and create employment opportunities in Katsina State.

"These engagements give us useful perspectives on how technology, industrialisation and skills development can drive economic diversification and job creation," he said.

Radda said the China mission reinforces his administration's commitment to deploying technology-driven solutions to improve governance and service delivery across critical sectors.

He noted that the visit is not only about strengthening existing partnerships but also about identifying new investment opportunities that will deliver measurable benefits to residents of the state.

"This is about building on existing partnerships and identifying new opportunities that will support the Building Your Future agenda and deliver a more productive, secure and prosperous Katsina State," the governor said.

The delegation includes the Governor's Principal Private Secretary, Abdullahi Aliyu Turaji; Director-General of KATDICT, Naufal Ahmad; Executive Secretary of the Katsina State Development Management Board, Mustapha Shehu; and the Special Adviser on Intergovernmental Affairs, Hadiza Maikudi.