The World Bank says it is helping mobilise up to $5.79 billion in private financing for Nigeria in the 2026 fiscal year to address infrastructure gaps, expand access to finance and stimulate economic growth....
The World Bank says it is helping mobilise up to $5.79 billion in private financing for Nigeria in the 2026 fiscal year to address infrastructure gaps, expand access to finance and stimulate economic growth.
The funding is expected to support critical sectors, including digital infrastructure, agriculture and small business financing, through policy reforms, investment platforms and risk-sharing mechanisms designed to attract private capital.
In a statement, the World Bank Group said the initiative was aimed at using public resources and development financing to reduce investment risks and create opportunities for businesses, farmers, women and young people.
One of the key projects is the Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth initiative, which is expected to attract at least $156 million in private equity during its first phase.
According to the bank, subsequent financing rounds could unlock up to $1.1 billion by 2030.
The project aims to extend affordable broadband access to an additional 58 million people and connect thousands of public schools, healthcare facilities and local government offices.
The bank said improved digital connectivity would help expand access to services and create opportunities for businesses and communities.
In agriculture, the Agricultural Value Chains for Growth project is targeting one million smallholder farmers.
The initiative is expected to mobilise about $220 million from agribusiness firms and an additional $22 million from certified seed producers to improve farmers’ access to quality seeds, fertiliser and markets.
The bank said the project would help strengthen agricultural value chains and improve the support available to smallholder farmers.
It is also promoting the FINCLUDE programme, designed to expand access to finance for more than 250,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).
The programme is expected to mobilise nearly $1.89 billion in private financing, with 30 per cent of the financing targeted at women-led businesses.
The initiative is also projected to support about 850,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The World Bank said economic reforms introduced by Nigeria since mid-2023, including changes to foreign exchange management, public finances and fuel subsidies, were helping strengthen policy credibility and create more predictable conditions for investors.
It said the reforms, alongside targeted development financing, could help reduce the risks associated with private investment and encourage greater participation by domestic and international investors.
The bank’s strategy centres on using development finance to attract private capital into sectors where funding constraints have limited expansion and service delivery.
The proposed investments are expected to support infrastructure development, improve access to finance for smaller businesses and strengthen agricultural productivity.
The World Bank said the broader objective was to translate economic reforms into investment opportunities, job creation and improved access to essential services for Nigerians.