By Zaharaddeen Ishaq Abubakar | KATSINA TIMES, May 19, 2025 –

The Katsina State Government has officially announced that it will host the second edition of Arewa Tech Fest, a major regional technology and innovation event, from May 20 to 22, 2025, at the Continental Event Center in Katsina.

The announcement was made through a statement by the Local Organizing Committee on behalf of the state government and the Directorate of Information and Communications Technology (KATDICT).

Following the success of the inaugural event in Kano, Arewa Tech Fest 2.0 is set to gather a wide network of tech innovators, startup founders, investors, academics, creatives, policymakers, and change agents to advance the digital transformation of Northern Nigeria.

Under the leadership of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, Katsina State is making significant strides toward becoming a technology-driven, knowledge-based economy. The governor’s digital transformation agenda emphasizes access to technology, digital literacy, and innovation as essential rights, not privileges.

"Governor Radda's administration is committed to unlocking human capital, diversifying the economy, and equipping young people with the skills and platforms needed to thrive in the digital era," the statement read.

Key achievements under his leadership include:

• Strengthening of KATDICT to spearhead ICT development
• Removal of Right-of-Way charges to ease broadband expansion
• Expansion of digital infrastructure for wider connectivity
• Investment in digital education, skills training, and innovation hubs

These efforts position Katsina as a front-runner in ICT policy, infrastructure, and innovation governance across Northern Nigeria.

Innovation for Impact: A Regional Tech Renaissance

With the theme “Innovation for Impact – Technology as a Catalyst for Economic Transformation,” Arewa Tech Fest 2.0 aims to drive sustainable, tech-enabled development and attract investment to the northern tech ecosystem.

The three-day festival will feature:

• Keynotes from national and international tech leaders
• Panel sessions on emerging technologies and startup financing
• Hands-on workshops and hackathons solving local challenges
• Startup exhibitions and product demos
• Networking opportunities for mentorship, funding, and partnerships

Organizers say the festival will not only expose local startups to national and global opportunities, but also stimulate job creation, promote rural digital inclusion, and foster regional collaboration in tech development.

The Katsina State Government is inviting entrepreneurs, investors, academia, public institutions, media, and the general public to participate in what is being described as a landmark event in shaping Northern Nigeria’s digital future.

“Arewa Tech Fest 2.0 is more than a festival; it is a platform for innovation, inclusion, and transformation,” the statement concluded.