| By ANE

Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, has wrapped up a series of high-level investment engagements in South Africa aimed at overhauling the state’s livestock sector, attracting foreign direct investment, and accelerating industrial and economic development.

Speaking during the visit with the Katsina State delegation, Governor Radda said the initiative seeks to modernise agriculture, draw reputable domestic and international investors, generate sustainable employment, and apply global best practices across livestock production, solid minerals development, and affordable housing solutions.

According to a statement issued by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, South Africa’s highly organised livestock industry offers important lessons for Katsina. The governor noted that the country operates roughly 70 feedlots and 495 abattoirs, with the beef sector alone employing more than 500,000 people and supporting over 2.1 million dependants.

He said the scale and efficiency observed demonstrate the economic potential of a properly structured livestock value chain, highlighting agriculture’s capacity to drive job creation, food security and economic growth when managed as a commercial enterprise.

As part of the engagements, the delegation visited Progeny Feedlot, a modern facility that utilises advanced cattle sourcing, feeding and finishing techniques to optimise animal health and meat quality. Governor Radda said such systems could help Katsina shift from subsistence livestock rearing to large-scale commercial production.

The team also toured Karan Beef, the world’s largest beef producer operating a fully halal slaughter system. The company manages the largest feedlot globally in Heidelberg, spanning about 2,330 hectares, with integrated crop farms and an abattoir capable of processing around 2,500 cattle daily. The governor described the operation as a strong example of an integrated value-chain model that reduces waste, enhances efficiency and creates extensive employment opportunities.

In another engagement, Governor Radda held discussions with Abdullah Salem, Chief Executive Officer of International Meat Processing LLC in the United States, a subsidiary of Salem’s Halal Food Group Corporation. Talks centred on investment opportunities in Katsina’s halal meat processing sector and its export potential. The company expressed interest in establishing operations in the state and is expected to visit Katsina to finalise partnership arrangements.

Beyond livestock, the governor also met with Crystal Partners to explore investment in Katsina’s deposits of energy transition minerals, including lithium, nickel, copper and manganese. The proposed collaboration, to be implemented through the Katsina State Exploration, Mining and Investment Company (KEMCO), aligns with the state’s strategy for economic diversification, industrial growth and job creation.

Governor Radda further engaged Hydraform, a global leader in alternative building technologies, whose solutions can cut construction costs by 30 to 60 per cent. He said the company’s technology could support Katsina’s mass housing initiatives, urban renewal efforts and infrastructure development.

The delegation also met with a major cattle breeder who facilitated connections with large dairy and poultry operations, including the country’s largest Jersey cow farm and South Africa’s biggest poultry producer, which generates about 3.5 million eggs monthly. These engagements, the governor said, open opportunities for technology transfer, improved breeding practices and increased productivity in Katsina’s dairy and poultry sectors.

Governor Radda emphasized that the investment drive reflects his administration’s commitment to learning from global best practices and forming partnerships capable of transforming Katsina’s agriculture, mining, housing and industrial sectors.

“Our objective is to create jobs, boost incomes, enhance food security, attract investment and promote inclusive, sustainable economic growth across Katsina State,” he said.

The delegation included the Commissioner for Livestock Development, Professor Ahmed Bakori Mohammed, and Dr. Usman Ma’azu Dan’asabe.

Source:

Apex News Exclusive. (2026). Katsina engages global feedlots, abattoirs, halal meat processors, mining investors, building tech firms in strategic investment drive. https://apexnewsexclusive.com/katsina-engages-global-feedlots-abattoirs-halal-meat-processors-mining-investors-building-tech-firms-in-strategic-investment-drive/