Indonesia Embassy, Kano Traders Host “Indonesia Expo Kano 2025”
By Salisu Hamisu Ali
The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Abuja, in partnership with the Kano Council of Traders and Entrepreneurs (KASCOTE), has successfully hosted the second edition of the “Indonesia Expo Kano 2025” with the theme “Empowering Trade, Enabling Partnerships.”
The annual event, designed to promote Indonesian products in Nigeria and other West African countries, attracted 3,950 potential buyers and recorded 1,550 prospective business transactions from 64 Indonesian companies during last year’s edition.
This year’s expo showcased a wide range of Indonesian products across various sectors. It also featured business networking sessions and provided opportunities for Nigerian entrepreneurs to explore partnerships with Indonesian companies.
Speaking at the event, the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Bambang Suharto, underscored the importance of strengthening bilateral ties between Nigeria and Indonesia. He emphasized that such collaborations would significantly boost trade and investment opportunities for both countries.
Hassan Tahir Yaro, President of the Kano Council of Traders and Entrepreneurs (KASCOTE), described the expo as a vital platform for deepening Kano’s business relationship with Indonesia.
“Alhamdulillah, this expo was organized by our association with the support of the Indonesian Embassy. It is the second edition, and we have built a strong relationship and trust with the Indonesian business community through trade missions and engagements,” Yaro said.
He noted that while last year’s event featured 64 Indonesian companies, this year’s edition included 50 companies, many of them new entrants offering a wider variety of products and investment prospects.
“One of the key highlights is the presence of Indonesian companies like Sahala, which operates a major plant in Kano employing over 200 workers. This initiative goes beyond trade—it’s about investment and job creation,” Yaro added.
The partnership between KASCOTE and Indonesia has also extended into education, with scholarships awarded to Nigerian students. “Last year, eight students from Northern Nigeria, particularly Kano, received scholarships to study in Indonesia. This year, the number increased to 20. One of our students even addressed the audience in Bahasa, impressing the Ambassador greatly,” Yaro revealed.
However, he called for more support from the government to enhance such initiatives. “We are a private-sector organization, and while we spearhead programs like this, we need moral support from government officials. Having the governor and senior officials present at events like these would greatly boost participation and impact,” he said.
The Indonesia Expo Kano 2025 is expected to further strengthen trade ties and attract investments capable of transforming Kano’s business landscape.
