A €200 million financial partnership to support the development of small-scale investments of Nigerian enterprises contributing to the country’s green and digital economy has been signed by the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) and the development arm of the European Investment Bank (EIB) Group, EIB Global.
The funds would be disbursed to Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria, with a focus on agriculture, renewable energy, digitalisation and innovation.
The collaboration aligns with EIB Global’s strategy to support sustainable, inclusive, and resilient economic growth in Nigeria under the Global Gateway Initiative.
The investment programme will boost private sector development in Nigeria and support entrepreneurs and job creation by easing access to suitable finance for MSMEs and Midcaps.
It will also strengthen Nigeria’s green transition by expanding financing opportunities for companies in the renewable energy and agribusiness sectors.
In agriculture, it will help improve productivity, develop local supply chains, and strengthen food security for a country that hosts the largest population in Africa.
On the energy side, improved financing for renewable energy businesses will support clean energy access, reduce carbon emissions, and help build climate resilience in underserved communities.
“This partnership with DBN will strengthen the competitiveness of Nigeria’s private sector, especially for SMEs in the green and digital sectors.
“In supporting green projects and women entrepreneurs, we are also fostering inclusive growth and climate action.
“This is a powerful example of EIB’s real impact on the ground,” EIB Vice-President, Mr Ambroise Fayolle, said at a signature ceremony on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at the Lagos office of the DBN.
Also commenting, the chief executive of DBN, Mr Tony Okpanachi, described the investment as a significant milestone in efforts to drive Nigeria’s economic growth and sustainability.
“The €200 million investment from EIB Global is a significant milestone in our mission to drive Nigeria’s economic growth and sustainability. By supporting local financial institutions and MSMEs in key sectors like agriculture, renewable energy, digitalisation, and innovation, we’re empowering entrepreneurs and fostering a culture of sustainable innovation,” he stated.
