In a move aimed at accelerating inclusive economic growth and strengthening trade in Northern Nigeria, Zamfara State Investment and Property Development Company Limited has signed a strategic partnership with Duchess Marketplace to support technology transfer and capacity-building for micro, small, and medium enterprises in the state.
The agreement, spearheaded by the Managing Director of ZSIPDCL and the Chief Executive Officer of Duchess Naturals Limited, is part of a broader initiative to attract local and foreign investment, expand agro-processing infrastructure, and boost the competitiveness of Zamfara’s entrepreneurs—especially women and youth—in regional and global value chains.
According to the investment company, the partnership will lead to the development of agro-processing hubs across the state and improve market access for Zamfara-sourced commodities. It will also work to integrate local entrepreneurs into national and international markets through targeted support and trade facilitation services.
ZSIPDCL described the agreement as a reflection of the state’s renewed commitment to becoming a viable destination for enterprise and investment. The partnership is seen as a mechanism for unlocking economic opportunities and fostering job creation across key sectors of the local economy.
The CEO of Duchess Naturals Limited underlined the importance of building inclusive and sustainable trade ecosystems. She noted that by strengthening value chains and linking rural producers to broader markets, the collaboration would support long-term economic transformation and resilience in Zamfara.
The joint effort will focus on several priority areas: attracting both domestic and international investment, developing logistics and trade infrastructure, organising trade missions and expos, and offering tailored capacity-building programmes for MSMEs. It will also involve the promotion of Zamfara-made products via both digital platforms and physical marketplaces.
This partnership marks a significant step toward integrating Zamfara’s small businesses into wider economic networks while advancing the state’s vision for innovation-driven, inclusive development.
