Governor Radda Meets Desert Technologies and Genesis Energy in Jeddah: Advancing Rural Electrification and Cold Storage Infrastructure in Katsina State.
In pursuit of his administration’s vision to deliver clean energy access and modern agricultural infrastructure across Katsina State, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda, has held a strategic meeting with the leadership of Desert Technologies, a global leader in renewable energy solutions, and Genesis Energy Group, a key energy development partner to the state.
The meeting took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia yesterday and was attended by Dr. Hafiz Ibrahim, Special Adviser to the Governor on Power and Energy, and Haruna Abbagana, Lead Consultant to the Katsina State Government. Also present was the Chairman of Genesis Energy Group and his senior team.
Governor Radda highlighted the devastating impact of post-harvest losses on smallholder farmers, particularly in the southern region of Katsina State, where limited access to cold storage leads to massive spoilage of perishable produce.
Through the partnership with Desert Technologies—renowned for its containerized solar-powered solutions—the state plans to deploy a network of solar-powered cold storage facilities. These units will help farmers preserve produce post-harvest, reduce waste and spoilage, increase shelf life and market value, and boost farmers’ earnings and improve food security.
“Our administration is committed to transforming agriculture in Katsina. These cold storage solutions will empower our farmers and unlock rural prosperity,” Governor Radda affirmed.
The discussions also focused on a major off-grid electrification program designed to power underserved communities across Katsina State. The project will leverage Desert Technologies’ solar-plus-battery systems for:
Public schools
Health centers
Micro and small-scale enterprises (mSMEs) such as:
Phone charging stations
Tailoring shops
Welding businesses
Barbing salons
These energy solutions, backed by technical collaboration with Genesis Energy Group, are expected to significantly reduce dependence on fossil fuel generators and promote sustainable grassroots entrepreneurship.
“This marks a paradigm shift. Solar energy is not just about lighting homes; it’s about powering dreams. We’re deploying bottom-up solutions that transform lives,” said Dr. Hafiz Ibrahim.
Katsina State Government will lead in initiative planning, and policy direction for rural electrification and agricultural modernization. Whereas Desert Technologies will provide solar-powered containerized systems, cold storage technology, and technical expertise, and Genesis Energy Group will serve as funding facilitators, implementation partner and technical advisor on deployment, integration, and infrastructure scaling.
Governor Radda’s engagement with Desert Technologies reinforces his commitment to energy equity, innovation, and economic empowerment. His administration continues to seek cutting-edge solutions that directly improve the quality of life for rural communities.
Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State
7thAugust 2025
