Summit Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and Nigeria’s expanding digital economy through its support for the newly inaugurated Hajaj-Zoec Digital Market in Kano.
The bank joined government officials, industry leaders and project stakeholders at the official commissioning of the market on Saturday. The initiative, designed as a major commercial hub for digital trade, is expected to create more than 100,000 jobs and generate an estimated N50 billion in annual economic activity while strengthening e-commerce across Nigeria and the wider African market.
Among the dignitaries at the event were the Kano State Commissioner of Justice, Barr. Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude; the 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 the Chief Executive Officer of Hajjaj Real Estate, Alhaji Jamilu Abdussalam.
The Hajaj-Zoec Digital Market was developed through a public-private partnership involving the Kano State Government, Hajjaj ZOEC Real Estate and ZOEC Construction, with Summit Bank serving as a key sponsor. Located in Tudun Wada, Sabon Gari, Kano, the project is expected to strengthen the state’s position as a leading commercial and technology hub.
Speaking at the event, Summit Bank’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Sirajo Salisu, said the project represents more than just a modern marketplace, describing it as a platform that combines physical and digital commerce to create new opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs.
According to him, markets have always been central to enterprise, and the Hajaj-Zoec Digital Market reflects the next phase of commercial evolution by providing an ecosystem where businesses can expand, technology can flourish and entrepreneurs can thrive.
Dr. Salisu said Summit Bank, as a non-interest financial institution, remains committed to supporting productive enterprises beyond providing 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, adding that stronger business ecosystems translate into job creation, improved livelihoods and sustainable community development.
Also speaking, Alhaji Abdussalam said the market has the potential to transform regional trade by providing an alternative sourcing destination for merchants.
‘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.
Designed as one of the largest purpose-built business hubs for electronic dealers, technology entrepreneurs, wholesalers, retailers and investors in Nigeria and West Africa, the facility will provide more than 1,500 trading spaces supported by modern amenities and digital infrastructure.
Summit Bank said its support for the project aligns with its broader mission of promoting ethical, transparent and customer-focused banking while fostering sustainable economic development through strategic partnerships.
The bank noted that the commissioning complements its growing engagement with Nigeria’s small and medium-sized enterprises through initiatives such as its Market Storm activations across Kano, Kaduna and Abuja, where it provides financial education and banking services directly to traders and entrepreneurs.
Summit Bank reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, deepen financial inclusion and strengthen Nigeria’s digital economy through responsible, partnership-driven banking.