Afreximbank and DBN Launch $75 Million Facility for Nigerian SMEs
The partnership aims to boost export capacity for creative and small-scale Nigerian businesses.
1Strategic Financial Partnership
Afreximbank has committed a $75 million finance facility to the Development Bank of Nigeria to support local small and medium-sized enterprises. Announced during the CANEX WKND 2026 event in Lagos, this initiative aims to bridge the funding gap for businesses, specifically targeting those operating within the creative and export-oriented sectors of Nigeria.
2Integrated Support Mechanism
The collaboration extends beyond simple capital provision by incorporating an integrated approach to business growth. Afreximbank plans to combine this financing with capacity-building programs, export-readiness training, and direct market access support. This holistic strategy is designed to help local enterprises transition from promising domestic operations into sustainable, competitive participants in international markets.
3Targeting Creative Industries
Creative enterprises, including those in fashion, film, music, and design, are primary beneficiaries of this new facility. By providing targeted working capital and asset acquisition support, the institutions aim to turn African talent into scalable businesses. This aligns with broader goals to strengthen the productive capacity of Nigeria’s diverse creative economy.
4Wholesale Lending Framework
The Development Bank of Nigeria will distribute the $75 million facility through its network of participating financial institutions. This wholesale model allows the bank to leverage existing local banking infrastructure to reach a wider range of MSMEs. The funds will cover various needs, including supply chain activities, pre-export, and post-export financing requirements.
5Enhancing Institutional Capacity
Afreximbank and DBN will jointly develop programs to improve the ability of local financial institutions to serve export-oriented SMEs. By training these lenders to better understand the specific needs of creative and export businesses, the partnership seeks to ensure that capital flows effectively to the most promising and resilient local enterprises.
6Access to Trade Platforms
Beneficiaries will gain access to specialized trade platforms such as MANSA, TRADAR, PAPSS, and ATEX. These tools are intended to simplify cross-border trade and connect Nigerian businesses with buyers across Africa and beyond. Participation in the Africa Buyer Programme and the Intra-African Trade Fair will further facilitate these international market connections.
7Institutional Backgrounds
Afreximbank is a multilateral financial institution with over $48.5 billion in total assets and contingencies as of December 2025. The Development Bank of Nigeria operates as a wholesale development finance institution specifically mandated to address financing constraints for MSMEs. Both entities are working to align their efforts with the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
8Economic Growth Implications
This $75 million facility represents a significant effort to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth in Nigeria. By enabling MSMEs to integrate into regional and global value chains, the partnership addresses structural financing barriers. The long-term success of this initiative will depend on the effective deployment of funds through local partners.