The Federal Government has introduced GuaranteeHer, a credit guarantee programme designed to help women-owned and women-led businesses access financing through participating financial institutions.
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The initiative is managed by the Nigerian Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC) and seeks to reduce financing barriers by sharing lending risks with financial institutions.
GuaranteeHer is not a direct loan or grant. Instead, it provides a guarantee for eligible loans issued by participating financial institutions, potentially making it easier for women entrepreneurs to secure funding for business activities.
Under the framework, eligible borrowers may access financing of up to ₦50 million per facility, subject to the lender’s credit assessment and applicable approval. The guarantee can cover up to 70 per cent of eligible loan exposure, while the loan tenor may run for up to five years.
The programme seeks to encourage lenders to support viable women-led enterprises that may struggle with conventional collateral requirements, while keeping lending decisions with financial institutions and businesses.
The initiative is intended to support women-owned or women-led micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operating in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, technology, solid minerals, textiles, exports and other eligible businesses.
Covered financing may include working capital, asset finance, trade finance and business expansion loans. Eligible businesses may also receive technical assistance, business development support, financial literacy training, mentorship and market linkages.
Over five years, GuaranteeHer aims to mobilise more than ₦100 billion in financing for over 20,000 women-owned MSMEs and support 150,000 jobs, while expanding financial inclusion.
Applicants should note that access to financing is not automatic. Businesses must meet the programme’s eligibility requirements and undergo assessment by a participating financial institution. The lender determines whether to approve the loan, while guarantee coverage is subject to NCGC’s applicable requirements.
How to apply
Women entrepreneurs interested in GuaranteeHer should visit the official NCGC website at https://ncgc.ng/guaranteeHer/#Apply. Eligible women-owned or women-led businesses should apply through a participating financial institution, provide the required business and financial documents, and complete the lender’s assessment process. The amount approved and terms will depend on the lender’s credit assessment and applicable programme conditions.
