In 2023, two young visionaries, Abubakar Shehu Idris and Sanusi Dikko, set out on an ambitious mission to reshape the technology landscape of Kaduna, a city in northern Nigeria known for its rich history and growing tech ecosystem. What began as a dream to bridge the technological gap in the region has since evolved into a powerful force of innovation, elevating Kaduna as a key player in Nigeria’s burgeoning tech scene.
The Genesis: Two Minds, One Vision
Abubakar Shehu Idris and Sanusi Dikko had long been frustrated by the limited access to cutting-edge technologies and innovation hubs in Kaduna. While Nigeria’s southern cities like Lagos and Abuja were becoming tech hubs, northern Nigeria remained largely underserved. This gap inspired the two founders, both of whom had backgrounds in software engineering and computer science, to take action.
Abubakar, a native of Kaduna, had always been deeply invested in using technology to solve local problems. His earlier projects focused on improving local educational systems and empowering small businesses with digital tools. Sanusi, on the other hand, was a tech consultant with experience working on large-scale infrastructure projects across the country. Together, they realized that the heart of innovation lay not just in technology, but in the ability to foster an environment where young minds could experiment, collaborate, and build impactful solutions.
In late 2023, Stone Tech Square was born. What began as a modest initiative in a small co-working space quickly evolved into a full-fledged tech company—one that would not only bring software and hardware solutions to Kaduna but would help nurture the next generation of Nigerian tech talent.
Building the Future of Kaduna Through Innovation
Stone Tech Square set out to be much more than just a tech company. It aimed to be a tech ecosystem—an incubator for local startups, a research hub, and an educational institution all rolled into one. The founders were determined to tackle the systemic challenges facing the region, including the scarcity of tech talent, limited access to resources, and outdated infrastructure.
One of their first major projects was the creation of Stone Lab, an innovation hub designed to provide entrepreneurs with access to modern technology, training, and mentorship. This space offered a range of programs, including coding bootcamps, AI workshops, and hardware prototyping labs. In just two years, it became the go-to place for budding software developers, designers, and engineers across Kaduna and beyond.
But it wasn’t just about equipping individuals with technical skills—it was about empowering the community to build sustainable, locally relevant solutions. Stone Tech Square launched several initiatives focused on tackling local problems through technology:
- Digital Agriculture Solutions: Recognizing Kaduna’s strong agricultural roots, Stone Tech Square partnered with local farmers to develop tech solutions for crop monitoring, precision farming, and supply chain optimization. These innovations helped farmers increase productivity and reduce wastage, while also giving them access to real-time market data and pricing.
- EdTech for Remote Learning: With the disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, Stone Tech Square pivoted to address the urgent need for remote learning solutions. The company developed an e-learning platform tailored to Kaduna’s schools, providing students in underserved areas with access to educational resources, virtual classrooms, and interactive lessons.
- Smart Cities for the Future: Kaduna, like many cities in Nigeria, faced growing urbanization and infrastructure challenges. Stone Tech Square set its sights on smart city solutions, using IoT (Internet of Things) and AI to improve everything from waste management to traffic control. Their efforts in creating a more sustainable and tech-driven city caught the attention of both local government and international development organizations.
Breaking the Mould: Defying Expectations
Stone Tech Square’s rise wasn’t without its challenges. Kaduna’s tech ecosystem, though growing, was still in its infancy, and the region had yet to see the kind of investment that had flooded cities like Lagos. Furthermore, many young entrepreneurs faced cultural and financial barriers to accessing tech education and resources.
But Abubakar and Sanusi were undeterred. They took bold steps to secure funding, both from local investors and international tech funds, while also establishing partnerships with global organizations and universities. They leveraged Kaduna’s unique position as a regional hub to attract tech talent from across the country, showing that with the right infrastructure and mentorship, northern Nigeria could become a powerhouse of innovation.
The founders also focused on creating a strong company culture—one rooted in collaboration, inclusivity, and community building. They encouraged cross-disciplinary teamwork, where tech developers, designers, business strategists, and local leaders could come together to create holistic solutions that addressed both global and local needs.
The Ripple Effect: Expanding Impact Beyond Kaduna
By 2023, Stone Tech Square had transformed from a local startup to a regional tech leader. The company had expanded its footprint, launching satellite innovation centers in neighboring states like Kano and Jos. They had also attracted talent from across the African continent, creating a pan-African network of tech entrepreneurs and innovators.
Stone Tech Square had established itself as a prime example of what happens when technology meets local empowerment. It was no longer just a company; it was a movement—a blueprint for how other northern Nigerian states could embrace technology to fuel their own growth. The company’s emphasis on sustainability, local relevance, and collaboration had won it the support of both the private and public sectors.
But for Abubakar and Sanusi, the journey was just beginning. Their vision had always been broader than just building a successful company—they saw Stone Tech Square as a catalyst for larger systemic change. Their next challenge was to tackle digital inclusion on a national scale, ensuring that Nigeria’s rural areas, which had long been left behind, could benefit from the opportunities that technology presented.
Looking Ahead: Stone Tech Square’s Legacy
Looking to the future, Abubakar Shehu Idris and Sanusi Dikko remain resolute in their mission to disrupt the status quo. In 2025, Stone Tech Square plans to launch its own tech accelerator program, designed to nurture high-potential startups and scale up existing projects. The founders are also exploring AI-driven solutions in healthcare, energy, and fintech, aiming to make Kaduna a tech capital not just for Nigeria, but for Africa.
Through their unwavering commitment to technological excellence, local empowerment, and community development, Abubakar and Sanusi are raising the bars for innovation in Kaduna and beyond. They’ve proven that with vision, passion, and the right support, even the most underserved regions can become hubs of technological progress.
In a country often known for its challenges, Stone Tech Square stands as a shining example of how tech can drive positive change—and how one idea, one company, and two founders can spark a transformation that resonates for generations to come.
