By Amaka Nwosu
Access Bank Plc has clinched a $100 million loan deal from a coalition of international Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), spearheaded by Germany’s DEG. Other partners in the funding round include FinDev Canada, ILX (Netherlands), and Austria’s OeEB — all aligning to inject fresh capital into Nigeria’s MSME ecosystem, with a significant focus on empowering women-led businesses.
At least 30% of the funds have been earmarked for gender-lens investments, reflecting the bank’s commitment to the 2X Challenge, a global benchmark for advancing female economic participation.
“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.
While this marks their fourth funding collaboration with DEG in eight years, it’s the first time DEG has taken the lead in structuring the facility — with a direct contribution of $25 million.
With Nigeria’s MSMEs grappling with limited access to finance, particularly among women-led enterprises, this initiative is expected to unlock job opportunities, tackle inequality, and accelerate inclusive economic growth.
“This financing marks a major step in our commitment to supporting inclusive growth in Africa,” noted Roland Siller, CEO of DEG. “It goes beyond just funding — it’s about creating sustainable, long-term opportunities for innovation and job creation.”
Access Bank’s impact runs deep — in 2024 alone, its social investment programs reportedly reached over 21 million people through projects in education, health, environmental sustainability, and entrepreneurship. Its signature W-Initiative has supported over one million women-led SMEs, cementing the bank’s role as a champion of financial inclusion.
With this new facility, Access Bank and its global partners are poised to expand opportunities for underserved communities and build a resilient financial future across Nigeria and West Africa.