Khalil Halilu
ChampionEVC/CEO, NASENI
Kano–Jigawa faces major challenges in building an innovation-driven ecosystem. Water scarcity and flooding strain livelihoods, while most ventures remain trade-oriented rather than innovation-driven. Limited capital, fragmented regulations, and talent migration to larger cities further weaken commercialization of water-smart technologies.
Through MIT REAP, our vision is to turn these challenges into opportunities by creating a hub for climate-smart enterprises. By aligning government, financiers, engineers, and universities, we aim to foster collaboration, scale local water-tech solutions, and build a resilient, innovation-driven economy for the Sahel.