The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has officially opened applications for a $150 million offshore financing facility designed to help Nigerian businesses expand operations across strategic sectors. The fund, developed in partnership with Germany's banking group ODDO BHF SE, offers qualifying companies access to long-term loans at single-digit interest rates, a move aimed at boosting industrial capacity and global competitiveness.
According to a statement released on Sunday, applications are now being accepted through a dedicated online portal unveiled during the Infrastructure Conference (INFRACON) 2026 held in Abuja. The initiative targets businesses in manufacturing, agro-processing, energy, logistics, transportation, mineral beneficiation, and information and communication technology (ICT). Notably, 20% of the fund has been earmarked specifically for projects in Nigeria's digital economy, reflecting the growing importance of technology-driven enterprises.
Funding Scale and Terms
Eligible companies can access financing starting from $10 million, with repayment periods extending to a minimum of 7.5 years. This extended timeframe is intended to give businesses sufficient room to execute large-scale expansion projects without undue financial pressure. However, beneficiaries must dedicate between 35% and 50% of the financing to purchasing approved machinery, equipment, technology, and services from Europe, with the remaining funds available for investment in Nigeria or other approved markets.
Waheed Olagunju, Chairman of the Joint NACCIMA-ODDO BHF Working Group Committee, described the initiative as a strategic effort to connect qualified Nigerian businesses with long-term international funding. He explained that the programme was structured to enable financially viable and environmentally compliant companies to secure capital for acquiring advanced European equipment and technology needed to grow their operations.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for the fund, applicants must present at least three years of audited financial statements and demonstrate compliance with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards. Additionally, applicants must be verified financial members of recognised organised private sector associations, including the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the Nigerian Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME), the Nigerian Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI), or NACCIMA itself.
Olagunju emphasized the rigorous framework developed by the committee: “The Joint NACCIMA–ODDO Committee has developed a rigorous framework that enables viable, ESG-compliant Nigerian enterprises to access capital, starting at a minimum of $10 million, to acquire the European machinery, equipment and technology needed to scale their operations.”
Impact on Nigerian Businesses
The financing programme is part of NACCIMA's broader strategy to improve Nigerian businesses' access to long-term international capital, strengthen industrial capacity, and enhance the competitiveness of local enterprises in regional and global markets. By providing affordable, long-term funding, the initiative aims to address one of the major challenges facing Nigerian businesses: the high cost and short tenure of local financing options.
Industry analysts see this as a significant development for the manufacturing and agricultural sectors, which often require substantial capital investment for equipment and technology upgrades. The 20% allocation to the digital economy also signals a forward-looking approach, supporting the growth of tech startups and ICT companies that are increasingly vital to Nigeria's economic diversification.
With applications now open, Nigerian businesses are encouraged to visit the dedicated portal and submit their proposals. The move is expected to attract interest from a wide range of companies, from established manufacturers to emerging tech firms, all seeking to leverage this opportunity for expansion and modernization.
