700 SMEs receive N1.1 trn investment boost

Over 700 small medium enterprises benefitted from N1.1 trillion mobilised through development finance institutions and local capital mechanisms in a bid to boost investment. This was highlighted in the latest report from the Impact Investors’ Foundation. Speaking at the 8th Annual Convening on Impact Investing themed ‘Strengthening and Scaling the Nigerian Impact Economy’ held in […]

Over 700 small medium enterprises benefitted from N1.1 trillion mobilised through development finance institutions and local capital mechanisms in a bid to boost investment.

This was highlighted in the latest report from the Impact Investors’ Foundation.

Speaking at the 8th Annual Convening on Impact Investing themed ‘Strengthening and Scaling the Nigerian Impact Economy’ held in Lagos, the Regional Representative, Innovision Global Africa, Iffat Mahmud in a new report titled ‘Nigeria’s Impact Investing Ecosystem Mapping and Market Sizing Report: Key Insights and Strategic Opportunities’, said there has been an increase in the flow of domestic capital coupled with fund from international partner to aid the growth of the investment. 

“N1.1tn in financing reaching over 700,000 SMEs is not just a number, it is evidence that Nigeria’s impact market is growing in both depth and coordination. We’re seeing domestic capital work alongside international partners to fund businesses that deliver measurable social and environmental impact. This level of mobilisation shows that capital providers are no longer waiting for perfect conditions; they are finding solutions within the system,” she said.

She attributed the increase to policy reform, adding that it has strengthened market confidence. 

“Policy reforms are starting to deliver results, from pension fund diversification to the sustainable finance framework. These signals are building trust in the market and encouraging long-term capital inflows. The Nigerian ecosystem has moved beyond conversation into coordination. When government, DFIs, and private investors align, we see real money move.

“This gives investors confidence that capital can be deployed sustainably, without being constrained by foreign exchange risks. We must continue to build the structures that keep local capital circulating within our economy. That’s how we make impact investing both scalable and sovereign,” she added.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer, Impact Investors Foundation, Etemore Glover, in her welcome remarks, stressed that progress had been made in the impact investing space since the inception of the annual convening in 2018.

“The Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, through a multi-agency process, helped build the Nigerian Wholesale Impact Investment Fund, a $100m fund. We celebrate the government’s 50 per cent contribution, amounting to $50m, to be delivered through the Ministry of Finance.

This achievement was made possible through collaboration, advocacy, and sustained engagement. ,” she said.