The Kano State Information Technology Development Agency (KASITDA) has obtained $50,000 worth of Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud credits to support local startups, following a new partnership with CloudPlexo, an AWS-certified partner.
The support package is targeted at the top 10 startups that emerged from the HEAT Hackathon 2025, which took place on October 11 at the E-Health Africa Auditorium, Kano.
The hackathon, organised under the state’s Digital Transformation Agenda, attracted 36 teams and more than 150 participants who developed innovative technology-driven solutions in Health, Education, Agriculture, and Transportation (HEAT).
According to a statement by Sunusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, spokesperson to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the initiative aligns with the administration’s commitment to promoting innovation, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment through technology.
The Director-General of KASITDA, Dr. Bashir Muzakkari, who represented the governor at the event, described the partnership as a strategic move toward positioning Kano as a leading technology and innovation hub in Northern Nigeria.
In addition to the AWS cloud credits, participating startups also received technical and business support from key partners. All for Tech provided secure VPN access, while Enovate Lab offered post-event mentorship focused on business development and investment readiness.
Dr. Muzakkari commended the enthusiasm of young innovators who participated in the hackathon and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a vibrant digital ecosystem that supports startup growth and job creation across the state.