BOI and GIZ Sign Strategic Partnership to Accelerate MSME Growth and Sustainable Development in Nigeria

On April 15, 2026, in Lagos, the Bank of Industry Limited (BOI) and Germany through Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in Nigeria formalized a partnership framework to strengthen micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and promote inclusive economic growth across Nigeria.

This partnership represents a shared commitment to addressing critical barriers faced by MSMEs by combining BOI’s financing capabilities with GIZ’s technical expertise and programmatic experience.

A Strategic Collaboration for Impact

The framework outlines an agreement focused on delivering coordinated interventions across key areas, including access to finance, entrepreneurship development, capacity building, and market access. It also integrates targeted support for climate finance and renewable energy investments, reflecting a strong alignment with global sustainability priorities.

Through this collaboration, both institutions aim to enhance the capacity of Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs), expand financing opportunities for MSMEs, and strengthen flagship initiatives such as the Graduate Entrepreneurship Fund (GEF) and the ICSS (Inspire, Create, Start and Scale) programme.

Driving Innovation, Sustainability, and Inclusion

A central pillar of the partnership is its focus on climate-aligned investment. With Germany’s support through GIZ, BOI will advance its efforts to secure accreditation with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and scale its renewable energy and energy efficiency financing portfolio.

The partnership also prioritizes:

• Women’s economic empowerment through targeted financing initiatives
• Digital transformation and e-commerce to enhance market access
• Agribusiness development and rural enterprise growth
• Innovative financing mechanisms, including supply chain finance 

In his remarks during the ceremony, Dr. Markus Wagner, GIZ Country Director in Nigeria, emphasized the importance of the collaboration:

“This partnership exemplifies how strategic collaboration between development actors and financial institutions can drive inclusive growth. Together, we aim to unlock opportunities for MSMEs, particularly in innovation, climate finance, renewable energy, and entrepreneurship.”

Strengthening Nigeria’s MSME Ecosystem

The partnership will be implemented through a joint working framework, with both organizations committed to maintaining high standards of transparency, accountability, and alignment with national development priorities.

By leveraging global expertise, local knowledge, and innovative financing models, BOI and GIZ aim to deliver measurable outcomes that support enterprise growth, job creation, and economic resilience.

Outlook

This agreement marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration designed to empower Nigerian businesses, strengthen value chains, and position MSMEs as key drivers of industrialization and sustainable development.

As both organizations move into implementation, the partnership is expected to unlock new opportunities for entrepreneurs, investors, and communities across Nigeria.