Kaduna’s Global Appeal: Italy Joins U.S. in Investment Push
By Nasir Dambatta
Italy has thrown its weight behind Kaduna State’s rising global investment profile, signalling interest in deepening economic ties and bringing Italian businesses into the heart of Nigeria’s industrial and agricultural transformation.
The Italian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Lacopo Foti, made this known during a courtesy visit to Governor Uba Sani’s office at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, over the weekend.
His visit comes on the heels of growing international attention on Kaduna, including recent overtures from the United States.
“We’ve come to learn about your priorities and explore how the Italian Embassy can support Kaduna’s investment ambitions,” Foti said.
“If you need partnerships in machinery, manufacturing, or agriculture—just tell us. We can open doors”, he revealed.
Foti assured that the Italian government is ready to facilitate private-sector investments across key sectors and encouraged the state to reach out with concrete proposals.
“We’re particularly interested in agricultural machinery—like tractors and processing equipment—but we’re also looking at manufacturing, technology, education, and training,” he added.
The ambassador, on his first official visit to Kaduna, praised the state’s investment climate and hospitable environment, describing it as “better than Abuja” in many ways.
He hinted at a return visit next month to build on the discussions.
Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, who received the envoy on behalf of the governor, welcomed the move, calling it a promising step in Kaduna’s mission to attract global partnerships.
“We’re glad Italy is joining this conversation. Kaduna is the largest producer of maize, tomatoes, and ginger in Nigeria. We also offer strong potential in mining, energy, tourism, and tech,” she said.
She highlighted the natural synergy between Italy’s strengths in manufacturing and technology and Kaduna’s ambitions in agriculture, renewable energy, and human capital development.
She told the Kaduna Investment Promotion Agency (KADIPA) to begin work on a proposal for the Italian Embassy and expressed hope that the visit would spark “substantial and sustained engagement” between both parties.
