In a remarkable stride toward sustainable and inclusive agricultural transformation, Mata Zalla Entrepreneurs has officially launched a fleet of electric agro-cargo vehicles (EVs) for rural transportation of agro-produce from farm gates to markets in Kano State.
This initiative is part of a pilot intervention using electric vehicles to transport agricultural inputs and produce, facilitated by the UK Government-funded Propcom+ programme. The pilot aims to test the technical feasibility and commercial viability of electric vehicles (EVs) and electric tricycles (e-tricycles) for transporting agricultural produce in Nigeria.
The event, held on 6 November 2025 at the Mata Zalla Smart Agro-Cargo Base Station in Kano, marked a significant milestone in the partnership between Mata Zalla Entrepreneurs and Propcom+, showcasing their shared commitment to advancing Nigeria’s transition to cleaner energy, strengthening climate resilience, and empowering women in agriculture through innovation and inclusion.
The unveiling ceremony brought together key stakeholders from the government, including the Commissioner for Environment, Dr Dahiru Hashim, and the Chairman of Kura LGA, where the EV station is located, Hon. Rabiu Abubakar Suleiman. Others include traditional rulers, the media, development partners and the private sector.
The electric agro-cargo vehicles are designed to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and empower over 2,000 women across Kano and other northern states. By addressing logistics and transportation challenges faced by rural farmers, the initiative seeks to boost productivity while advancing Nigeria’s climate-smart agriculture agenda.
Kano State Government Officials during the launch of the Electrical Vehicles
Reinforcing the environmental significance of innovation, Dr Dahiru Hashim, Commissioner for Environment, emphasised:
“This is a welcome innovation because climate change is affecting the output of our farmers. These smart vehicles are a step in the right direction toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving our environment. They will help ensure sustainable farming outcomes while empowering women to be independent contributors to economic growth.”
Representing Dr. Adiya Ode, Country Representative of the FCDO-funded Propcom+ programme, Ahmad Nuhu, Senior Portfolio Manager at Propcom+, described the launch as a bold and inspiring step forward for rural transformation. He highlighted that the initiative goes beyond technology; it embodies a movement of empowerment and sustainability.
“This launch is not just about electric vehicles, it is about electric momentum,” Dr Ode said in her remarks delivered by Mr Nuhu. “A movement that began with the UK-funded LINKS programme, where Mata Zalla women first took to the streets of Kano on electric tricycles, supported by flexible financing from the Alternative Bank. Today, through Propcom+ and with continued support from the UK Government, we are proud to have co-financed this agro-cargo EV initiative, twenty electric vehicles, a solar-powered charging station, and a new logistics hub. These are not just assets; they are pathways to prosperity, climate resilience, and inclusive growth.”
Speaking at the event, Hon. Rabiu Abubakar Suleiman, Chairman of Kura LGA, commended the partnership’s impact, noting:
“What Mata Zalla and Propcom+ are doing is not just for women, but for the entire community, Kura LGA, Kano State, and Nigeria at large. This will, in no small measure, support the productivity of farmers by alleviating challenges relating to logistics and transportation.”
Highlighting the innovation’s inclusive and climate-conscious nature, Hajiya Hauwa Ahmad, President of Mata Zalla Entrepreneurs, said:
“Partnering with Propcom+ to pilot EVs for agricultural purposes is special for us because we are a women-led cooperative. It will not only support agricultural activities but also drive inclusion and women’s empowerment. It is climate-smart, reduces fossil fuel use, and improves the livelihoods of women, farmers, and their communities. We are grateful to Propcom+.”
With support from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), the collaboration between Propcom+ and Mata Zalla Entrepreneurs signals a bold step toward a cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive agricultural future, one where climate resilience and gender inclusion drive Nigeria’s progress.
