Summit Bank has backed the newly commissioned Hajaj-Zoec Digital Market in Kano, a commercial development designed to support digital trade and expand business opportunities in Northern Nigeria.
Located in Tudun Wada, Sabon Gari, the market is projected by its developers to create more than 100,000 jobs and generate an estimated N50 billion in annual economic activity. The facility is expected to provide over 1,500 trading spaces equipped with digital infrastructure for electronic dealers, technology entrepreneurs, wholesalers, retailers and investors.
The project was commissioned in the presence of government officials, business leaders and development partners, including Kano State Commissioner of Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude; Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development, Yusuf Ata, represented by his Special Assistant (Technical), Kabir Aminu Dutse; former Accountant General of the Federation, Ahmed Idris; Chairman of the Bank of Industry, Dr. Mansur Muhtah; and Chief Executive Officer of Hajjaj Real Estate, Alhaji Jamilu Abdussalam.
Speaking at the inauguration, Summit Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Sirajo Salisu, described the market as a platform that combines physical and digital commerce to support business growth and entrepreneurship.
“Markets have always been at the centre of enterprise. What the Hajaj-Zoec Digital Market represents is the next stage of evolution that blends physical and digital commerce into a modern ecosystem where businesses can grow, technology can thrive, and entrepreneurs can unlock new opportunities,” he said.
Salisu said the bank’s support for the project reflects its approach to promoting enterprise development alongside the provision of financial services.
“We believe banking should do more than provide financial services; it should help create the conditions that allow businesses to flourish,” he said.
The Hajaj-Zoec Digital Market is being developed through a public-private partnership involving the Kano State Government, Hajjaj ZOEC Real Estate and ZOEC Construction, with Summit Bank serving as one of the project’s sponsors.
According to Abdussalam, the market is expected to strengthen regional trade by providing a central hub for wholesale transactions.
“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,” he said.
Summit Bank said the investment aligns with its support for small and medium-sized enterprises through non-interest banking and business engagement initiatives, including its Market Storm outreach programmes in Kano, Kaduna and Abuja.
The bank said its participation in the project is part of its broader efforts to support entrepreneurship and economic development through partnerships with the public and private sectors.
