The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has committed $75m in financing to the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) to improve access to credit for Nigerian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly businesses in creative and export-oriented sectors.
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The facility will be channelled through DBN’s participating financial institutions (PFIs). It is expected to support working capital, equipment purchases, production expansion, export financing and supply chain activities.
The financing is intended to help viable businesses meet commercial needs and participate in regional and international value chains. It also links access to capital with practical support designed to improve business readiness, competitiveness and access to new buyers.
The agreement was signed during the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) Weekend 2026 in Lagos by Afreximbank’s Executive Vice-President for Intra-African Trade and Export Development, Kanayo Awani, and DBN Managing Director, Tony Okpanachi.
Who can benefit?
Businesses in fashion, film, music, design and other creative industries are among the intended beneficiaries. Export-oriented SMEs seeking to expand production, acquire assets, finance pre-export or post-export activities, and strengthen supply chains may also benefit.
Afreximbank said the partnership would combine financing with capacity building, export-readiness support and access to markets. The institutions also plan to strengthen the ability of participating financial institutions to assess and finance businesses seeking opportunities beyond Nigeria.
Beneficiaries are expected to gain access to Afreximbank trade platforms, including the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), MANSA, TRADAR and the African Trade Exchange. Other support channels include the Africa Buyer Programme, the African Trade and Distribution Company and the Intra-African Trade Fair.
Okpanachi described the agreement as part of DBN’s effort to expand finance for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), while helping them become more competitive and sustainable.
How to apply
The $75m is not a grant paid directly to applicants. Financing will be provided through DBN’s participating financial institutions, so interested businesses should approach a participating bank or other eligible financial institution to enquire about available products, requirements and application procedures.
Applicants should prepare their business registration details, financial records, funding proposal and relevant export or business documents. The announcement does not provide a single public application portal or confirm that applications are currently open.
