The concept behind the KEC came from the Kano State government and Integrated Development and Investment Services Limited (IDIS). Financing is being provided by a consortium of foreign and domestic banks, with Oceanic Bank as the lead financier.

When finished, the project will feature:

a five-star hotel

residential and industrial estates

a shopping mall

a world trade centre

a retail market consisting of 5,500 lock-up shops

warehouses

cinema halls

conference facilities

a rail terminus

fuel and fire stations

a maintenance building

The project will be constructed on the outskirts of Kano and will eventually occupy a space of 350 hectares.