Interswitch Supports Early-Stage Entrepreneurs in Kano

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Some budding entrepreneurs in Kano State recently received the backing of a leading integrated and digital commerce firm, Interswitch, at the maiden Kano Startup Weekend (KSW) themed Igniting Innovation & Empowering Entrepreneurs.

The event, which held on December 14 and 15, 2025, saw Interswitch providing practical insights, exposure to developer-friendly platforms, and guidance on building scalable digital businesses.

KSW 2025 is the flagship entrepreneurship and innovation event hosted by the Kano State Government through the Kano State Information Technology Development Agency (KASITDA).

Aligned with the Kano State Digital Transformation Agenda (2025–2030), the event aimed to ignite Kano’s startup ecosystem, foster collaboration, and position the state as a leading hub for technology and innovation in Nigeria and beyond.

The weekend featured pitch presentations from startups across technology, education, agriculture, mobility, and digital services, complemented by expert-led sessions on product development, funding readiness, customer acquisition, and scaling strategies. These engagements equipped founders with tools to refine their ideas while connecting with partners capable of supporting their next stage of growth.

Giving his keynote speech, the Chief Information Officer of Interswitch, Mr Patrick Okebu, emphasised the strategic importance of supporting regional innovation ecosystems. He said:

“Kano Startup Weekend reflects the depth of entrepreneurial potential emerging from Northern Nigeria. At Interswitch, we recognise that innovation thrives when founders have access to the right platforms, mentorship, and enabling infrastructure.

“Our support for this event aligns with our commitment to empowering startups with payment and digital commerce solutions that help them build confidently, scale sustainably, and compete effectively in today’s economy,” he said.

Beyond individual mentorship and the pitch sessions, KSW 2025 created opportunities for meaningful collaboration between the public sector, private organisations, investors, and the startup community, demonstrating how strong partnerships can accelerate innovation and drive inclusive economic growth.

The success of the inaugural Kano Startup Weekend highlighted the growing momentum within Kano State’s technology ecosystem and the increasing role of strategic partnerships in driving inclusive innovation. Interswitch noted that initiatives such as KSW are critical to expanding economic opportunity, nurturing local talent, and strengthening Nigeria’s broader digital economy.