The International Finance Corporation (IFC), has approved a credit facility totalling US$35 million in partnership with FSDH, Nigeria’s foremost Merchant Banking Group, to be used to improve access to finance for medium-scale businesses in the emerging sectors of the Nigerian economy. The facilities are of two folds; $ 20 million Working Capital Solutions (WCS) and the Global Trade Finance Program (GTFP).
The WCS facility will help FSDH to provide loans to local enterprises in Nigeria especially those with foreign currency receivables. The GTFP is a functional trade finance tool that would enable FSDH to support its numerous Trade Finance customers as it will open them up to access any beneficiary across the globe. It will also help to reduce the trade finance gap In Nigeria by making financial resources available to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the industrial sector. The GTFP will guarantee up to 100% of non-payment risks arising from letters of credit and similar trade finance instruments issued by FSDH under the guarantee portion. This will allow confirmation of trade transactions originated by FSDH, benefiting local import and export businesses. Since the pandemic, Nigeria continues to suffer significant foreign exchange constraints in the economy, and this deal will help to further ameliorate FX liquidity in the market.
The International Finance Corporation IFC- a member of the World Bank Group, IFC has established a leading position promoting private sector investment in Africa. In nearly six decades, the Group has invested more than $60 billion in African businesses and financial institutions, with a portfolio that currently exceeds $12 billion. With this deal, the IFC is supporting FSDH’s drive to scale Small & Medium Enterprise – SME financing in the country which according to a 2022 survey by the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN), contributes up to 43.31% to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product.
As part of FSDH’s commitment to further support the growth of the emerging sectors, the bank recently announced its operations in new segments – Agriculture, Technology Funding Solutions, Healthcare Financing, and Business Banking and also launched a Women in Business desk that will give female-led & female-founded businesses access to finance, market network and mentorship under its flagship Women in Business Initiative.
In her statement, the Managing Director, of FSDH Merchant Bank, Bukola Smith said “We are committed to our mission of empowering businesses and partnering with them to achieve sustainable success, the IFC facility brings us closer to the actualization of that mission. It avails us of the right capital from a reputable partner at such a crucial time. Also, partnering with a credible, leading global funder like IFC is a boost for our credibility and viability as an institution. We are well positioned and on course to reach various segments in the emerging economy through our different interventions in growing sectors like health, agriculture, technology, renewable energy and the female economy. Our commitment is to the success of our clients, partners and ultimately, the growth of the economy at scale; we will not relent.’’
FSDH continues to deliver an excellent track record of innovative financial & investment solutions, providing a one-stop array of financial services to its customers. Recall that earlier this year, FSDH announced an N3.8 billion agreement with African Guarantee Fund (AGF) to scale up its business portfolio, this deal will further boost the bank’s credibility and enhance its customer base. Also, the bank recently announced a $ 25 million Trade Finance Facility with African Development Bank to provide loan and import finance facilities to growing enterprises in Nigeria.
This partnership reflects IFC’s strategy to engage the private sector as a way to end extreme poverty, promote economic growth and boost shared prosperity in emerging markets and developing countries.
About FSDH Group
FSDH Group is the foremost Merchant Banking Group in Nigeria and specialized in providing financial services through Corporate Banking, Business Banking, Investment Banking, Prestige Banking, Treasury, Custodial Services and International Banking services. As a leading financial services organization, we are focused on providing expert, trusted and progressive financial services in Nigeria, in order to create long-term sustainable wealth. Our subsidiaries include; FSDH Asset Management, FSDH Capital, FSDH Merchant Bank and Pensions Alliance Limited (PAL).
About IFC
IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. IFC works in more than 100 countries, using its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In the fiscal year 2022, IFC committed a record $32.8 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.