Nigeria has launched a $50 million catalytic fund aimed at unlocking finance for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) while driving inclusive growth across key sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, youth entrepreneurship, and digital innovation.

The Nigeria Wholesale Impact Investment Fund (WIIF), announced via the Ministry of Finance’s official X (Twitter) account, is the cornerstone of a broader $100 million strategy that positions impact investing at the heart of national development. 

Rather than funding businesses directly, the WIIF will channel resources through trusted financial intermediaries, including microfinance banks, development finance institutions, and impact-focused fund managers who will then finance high-impact projects and enterprises.

Described as a “fund of funds,” WIIF is expected to address longstanding gaps in MSME financing while supporting Nigeria’s wider economic agenda under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope vision. This agenda targets inclusive job creation, innovation-led enterprise development, and sustainable GDP growth of 7% annually.

The fund was officially launched during a high-level strategy session in Abuja, presided over by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy. The session convened top stakeholders from the public and private sectors, including representatives from the Global Steering Group for Impact Investment, the Impact Investors Foundation, and senior economic advisers to the presidency.

Participants reviewed a robust implementation plan that includes drawdown timelines, strategic partnerships, and proposals for innovative financing mechanisms such as government-backed guarantees designed to reduce investor risk and attract private capital.

“We are committed to ensuring transparency, efficiency, and measurable impact in deploying these resources to benefit all Nigerians,” said the Finance Minister. 

The blended finance structure of the fund aims to de-risk investments in high-priority sectors, making Nigeria a more attractive destination for both domestic and global investors. It will also operate in synergy with the African Development Bank-backed Youth Entrepreneurship Bank and other platforms supporting crowdfunding and micro-capital access for young entrepreneurs.

Ultimately, the WIIF is poised to serve as a critical pillar in building a more inclusive, innovation-driven economy. By leveraging public-private partnerships, it will expand the reach of impact finance and contribute to long-term national transformation, especially in underserved and economically vital regions.