Abuja, June 12, 2025 — The Federal Government today announced a pivotal US $50 million investment in the Nigeria Wholesale Impact Investment Fund (WIIF), a move aimed at unlocking vital capital for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and catalyzing job creation across the economy .
According to the Federal Ministry of Finance’s official X post, this commitment reflects the government’s pledge to foster sustainable economic growth under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Anchored in the broader strategy to reach a 7% annual GDP growth, the fund will support priority sectors such as agriculture, infrastructure, and digital innovation.
High-Level Stakeholder Engagement
Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, convened a strategic meeting in Abuja with leaders from the Impact Investors Foundation (IIF), the Global Steering Group (GSG), and prominent private-sector investors. Among the attendees were Ibukun Awosika, chair of IIF/GSG; Wale Adeosun of Kuramo Capital; and permanent secretary Lydia Shehu Jafiya
During the session, participants reviewed WIIF’s operational framework and mapped out the next steps—including liaising with the Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) to finalize the drawdown schedule. They also explored innovative financing tools, such as government-backed guarantees, to encourage private-sector investment
Fund Strategy and Objectives
The WIIF serves as a “fund of funds,” channeling investments into financial intermediaries—microfinance banks, development finance bodies, and impact-focused fund managers—who in turn finance ventures with clear social and economic returns. It marks the first phase toward a $100 million capital base, with the government’s $50 million anchor investment expected to draw further capital from institutional partners.
Designed to crowd in private capital, WIIF will operate across value chains in agriculture, infrastructure, and youth-driven digital innovation. It aligns with the African Development Bank–backed Youth Entrepreneurship Bank, offering financing access to the nation’s youth.
A Partnership for Inclusive Progress
Mr. Edun emphasized that the initiative is a vivid demonstration of public-private collaboration in action. “This partnership exemplifies the power of public-private collaboration in advancing Nigeria’s economic priorities,” he remarked, highlighting the government’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and measurable impact
IIF/GSG chair Ibukun Awosika added that the fund offers a unique opportunity to mobilize patient capital capable of delivering both economic and social gains, sending a positive signal to investors at home and abroad
What This Means for Nigeria
- Boosts MSME Finance & Job Creation: By channeling capital to intermediaries, MSMEs gain better access to loans and grants.
- Supports Priority Sectors: Investments in agriculture, infrastructure, and digital services promise robust ripple effects.
- Attracts Investor Confidence: Government guarantees reduce risk, encouraging further private investment.
- Empowers Young Entrepreneurs: Youth-driven businesses receive fresh opportunities through targeted initiatives.
As Nigeria deepens its commitment to inclusive, innovation-led growth, the WIIF’s initial investment sends a clear signal: Nigeria is open for business and ready to invest in its future. Stakeholders expect that this well-structured initiative will play a defining role in job creation and long-term economic resilience.
