Summit Bank Backs Landmark Hajaj-Zoec Digital Market to Boost Nigeria’s Digital Economy

By JB Danlami Kano

Summit Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting entrepreneurship, expanding business opportunities, and supporting Nigeria’s growing digital economy through its sponsorship of the newly commissioned Hajaj-Zoec Digital Market in Kano.

The landmark project, officially inaugurated on Saturday in Tudun Wada, Sabon Gari, Kano, is expected to transform commerce by strengthening e-commerce, creating over 100,000 jobs, and generating an estimated ₦50 billion annually in economic activity across the African market.

The commissioning ceremony attracted top government officials, business leaders, and stakeholders. Among the dignitaries present were the Kano State Commissioner for 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 Hajaj Real Estate, Alhaji Jamilu Abdussalam.

The Hajaj-Zoec Digital Market was developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) involving the Kano State Government, Hajaj ZOEC Real Estate, ZOEC Construction, and Summit Bank as a key sponsor. The project is designed to serve as the largest purpose-built modern business hub for electronic dealers, technology entrepreneurs, wholesalers, retailers, and investors across Nigeria and West Africa.

Speaking during the inauguration, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Summit Bank, Dr. Sirajo Salisu, described the project as a significant milestone in the evolution of commerce.
“Markets have always been at the centre of enterprise. What the Hajaj-Zoec Digital Market represents is the next stage of evolution that blends physical and digital commerce into a modern ecosystem where businesses can grow, technology can thrive, and entrepreneurs can unlock new opportunities,” he said.

Dr. Salisu reiterated that supporting enterprise remains central to Summit Bank’s mission as a non-interest financial institution.

“We believe banking should do more than provide financial services; it should help create the conditions that allow businesses to flourish. When entrepreneurs have access to the right ecosystem, markets become stronger, jobs are created, families earn better livelihoods, and communities prosper.

This is the kind of impact Summit Bank is committed to supporting,” he added.
Also speaking, the Chief Executive Officer of Hajaj Real Estate, Alhaji Jamilu Abdussalam, said the market would position Kano as a major trading destination for Africa.

“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.

According to Abdussalam, the digital market will provide more than 1,500 modern trading spaces equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and digital infrastructure, reinforcing Kano’s longstanding reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading commercial centres.

Summit Bank noted that its support for the project aligns with its broader vision of promoting productive enterprise through ethical, transparent, and customer-focused non-interest banking solutions.

The Bank believes sustainable economic development is achieved not only through access to finance but also through strategic partnerships that stimulate business growth and innovation.

The commissioning also reflects Summit Bank’s growing commitment to Nigeria’s Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Through initiatives such as its recent Market Storm activations across major commercial centres in Kano, Kaduna, and Abuja, the Bank has continued to strengthen relationships with traders, entrepreneurs, and small business owners by delivering financial education and tailored banking solutions directly to business communities.

Summit Bank reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote entrepreneurship, deepen financial inclusion, and accelerate Nigeria’s digital transformation. As an innovative non-interest financial institution, the Bank said it remains dedicated to a banking model founded on ethics, transparency, partnership, shared prosperity, and responsible growth while connecting finance with real economic activities that contribute meaningfully to national development.