Access Bank Plc has secured a $100 million senior loan facility from a consortium of global Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) led by Germany’s DEG. The consortium also includes FinDev Canada, ILX (Netherlands), and Austrian DFI OeEB, marking a strategic boost for Nigeria’s MSME sector and female-led enterprises.
The facility will enable Access Bank to extend funding to privately-owned MSMEs, small corporates, and family-owned businesses across Nigeria. A key feature of the agreement is the allocation of at least 30% of the loan toward gender-lens investing, aligned with the 2X Challenge, a global initiative promoting women’s economic empowerment.
“This partnership not only strengthens our ongoing efforts to empower women in business but also reinforces our support for Nigeria’s MSME sector,” said Roosevelt Ogbonna, CEO of Access Bank.
This marks the fourth collaboration between Access Bank and DEG over the past eight years, but it is the first time DEG has served as lead arranger in the partnership. DEG’s direct contribution to the new facility is $25 million.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, continues to face economic challenges, with MSMEs and women-led enterprises often lacking access to adequate financing. This latest funding initiative is expected to foster job creation, reduce inequality, and catalyze inclusive growth.
“This financing marks a major step in our commitment to supporting inclusive growth in Africa,” said Roland Siller, CEO of DEG. “It goes beyond just funding — it’s about creating sustainable, long-term opportunities for innovation and job creation.”
In 2024 alone, Access Bank reportedly reached over 21 million individuals through its corporate social investment initiatives spanning education, health, environment, and entrepreneurship. Its W-Initiative supported more than one million women-led SMEs, solidifying its reputation as a leader in financial inclusion.
With this facility, Access Bank and its partners aim to deepen their impact on underserved communities and build a more resilient, equitable financial ecosystem across Nigeria and beyond.
