Dangote deepens SME support through Kano trade fair

The Dangote Group has announced its participation in the Kano International Trade Fair, scheduled to open between November 22 and December 6, 2025.

A statement on Thursday from the Group Chief Branding and Communication Officer, Anthony Chiejina, said the company is sponsoring and participating fully in the annual event, which is expected to attract over a thousand exhibitors from across the globe.

“Kano is central to our overall businesses, and it is the hub of commerce, not only in Nigeria, but in Africa,” he said. Chiejina noted that Kano is home to one of the large-scale rice mills being developed by the company.

He added that other rice milling plants under development are located in Jigawa, Zamfara, Niger, Kebbi, and Sokoto States, with a combined total milling capacity of 1.5 million tonnes per annum.

He said the effort is aimed at supporting the government in its food security drive.

According to him, the company’s subsidiaries will dedicate special help desks at the trade fair and encourage the public to use the opportunity to engage with the Group for potential business partnerships. He stated that, in response to evolving market demand, the company will also be unveiling new sugar pack sizes of 100 grams and 25 kilograms on its Special Day at the Kano Fair.

Chiejina noted that the theme for this year’s fair, ‘Empowering SMEs for Sustainable Growth,’ aligns with the company’s vision for sustainable development in Nigeria.

The statement quoted the Senior Adviser, Special Project & Strategic Relations to the Dangote Group President, Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, as saying “Through our sponsorship of Kano Trade Fair, we seek to empower micro, small, and medium enterprises with opportunities to showcase their products, connect with potential partners, and access new markets, ultimately strengthening the nation’s economic growth.”

President of the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Hassan Darma, said, “We are expecting around 100 organizations, and over 1,000 exhibitors from Nigeria and abroad.”

He said this year’s trade fair is unique due to significant improvements, expansion, and new structures at the fair site. Darma added that the Dangote Group is one of the key sponsors and promoters of the fair.

“We have a valued long-standing relationship with Dangote Group. It is our major sponsor. In this year’s fair, we want to partner with the Dangote Group on SME development, backward integration, and industrial skills transfer,” he said.