The World Bank Group has announced plans to mobilise up to $5.79 billion in private-sector financing for Nigeria in the 2026 fiscal year, with investments expected to boost telecommunications, agriculture, small businesses and job creation.
The initiative is aimed at addressing major challenges affecting the Nigerian economy, including inadequate infrastructure, limited access to affordable business loans and difficulties faced by farmers in accessing quality agricultural inputs and markets.
According to a report published on the World Bank’s official website on October 11, 2026, the financing strategy will combine economic reforms, commercial investments and risk-sharing arrangements to attract private investors into key sectors.
The initiative involves the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency (MIGA), which will work together to improve investment opportunities, provide financing and reduce risks for investors.
Telecommunications Sector to Get Major Boost
One of the key areas expected to benefit is digital infrastructure.
Through the Building Resilient Digital Infrastructure for Growth (BRIDGE) Project, the World Bank Group plans to attract at least $156 million in private equity during the first round of investor selection.
Further investment rounds could mobilise up to $1.1 billion by 2030 to support the development of a nationwide fibre-optic network.
The project is expected to extend affordable broadband access to an additional 58 million Nigerians, while improving internet connectivity for households, public schools, healthcare facilities and local government offices.
Agriculture and Small Businesses to Benefit
The World Bank Group also plans to support Nigeria’s agricultural sector through the Agricultural Value Chains for Growth (AGROW) Project, which targets one million smallholder farmers.
The programme is expected to attract $220 million from agribusiness companies and another $22 million from certified seed producers to improve access to quality agricultural inputs, strengthen productivity and connect farmers to markets.
Small businesses are another major focus of the initiative.
Through the Fostering Inclusive Finance for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Nigeria (FINCLUDE) programme, the institution aims to mobilise nearly $1.89 billion in private financing to expand access to funding for more than 250,000 businesses.
The programme is also expected to support approximately 850,000 direct and indirect jobs, with 30 per cent of its financing targeted at women-led businesses.
World Bank Links Plan to Economic Reforms
The institution attributed improved prospects for private investment partly to economic reforms introduced in Nigeria since mid-2023, including changes to foreign exchange management, fuel subsidies and public finances.
It said further reforms aimed at deepening capital markets, expanding digital trade, encouraging private participation in the electricity sector and improving business competitiveness could help attract additional investment.
The World Bank Group explained that its strategy was designed to use development financing and investment guarantees to encourage private investors to commit more capital to projects capable of supporting economic growth.
The planned $5.79 billion mobilisation is expected to strengthen infrastructure, improve access to finance, support agricultural productivity and create more economic opportunities for Nigerians.
However, the projected benefits will depend on how effectively the investments are mobilised and implemented across the targeted sectors.
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