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Daniel Adaji
Access Bank Plc has secured a $100m facility to support Nigerian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and women entrepreneurs, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) said on Thursday.
The deal was signed during the Africa CEO Forum 2025, which concluded on May 13 in Abidjan. The agreement was facilitated by a consortium of development finance institutions led by DEG, the German Development Finance Institution.
According to the IFC, the facility is designed to drive growth financing, promote economic inclusion, and support gender equality in Nigeria’s business landscape.
“This year’s edition stood out through concrete commitments: four major deals were signed in the fields of AI, connectivity, energy, and real estate, illustrating a shared willingness to move from words to action,” the IFC said in a statement.
The two-day forum brought together over 2,800 business leaders, investors, and policymakers from 90 countries. Discussions focused on improving economic governance, optimizing public policy, and accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Makhtar Diop, Managing Director of IFC, noted the importance of targeted financial solutions in unlocking the potential of African businesses.
“These range from innovative financial tools—like local currency financing—to major initiatives that unlock high-potential investment opportunities,” he said.
President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, speaking during the presidential panel, stressed the need for stronger collaboration between public and private sectors.
He said such partnerships are crucial to addressing economic challenges and achieving sustainable development across Africa.
Amir Ben Yahmed, CEO of Jeune Afrique Media Group and president of the Forum, underscored the importance of public support in enabling private sector growth.
“Africa must unleash the power of its private sector to chart its own course. It is now up to public decision-makers to provide them with the means to succeed,” he said.
The $100m agreement with Access Bank was one of several deals announced at the forum, where total commitments exceeded $200m.