CDC Group invests $75 million in Nigerian Stanbic IBTC bank

UK based development finance institution and impact investor, CDC Group, has announced a US$75 million debt commitment to Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC in Nigeria.

Stanbic IBTC intends to use the funds to continue lending to businesses in sub-sectors of the economy that are important for domestic consumption and exports including food, manufacturing, telecommunications and construction.

The funding comes at a critical time given the current economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in cash flow and access to finance challenges for companies in Nigeria. The sub-sectors targeted by the facility all employ large numbers of local staff and support substantial SME supply chains. This funding will ensure businesses in critical sectors are able to access capital to protect their operations and employees amid the ongoing economic uncertainty.

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The strategically important manufacturing, food and agriculture sub-sectors, which make up more than a third of Stanbic IBTC’s current portfolio and pipeline, will particularly benefit from this investment.

CDC’s debt commitment will also give Stanbic IBTC access to long-term dollar funding, which is difficult to raise in the commercial market even under normal conditions. Long-term dollar funding will enable Stanbic IBTC to lend to exporting and other dollar earning businesses in Nigeria, thus supporting key growth sectors of the economy.

This investment contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).

Benson Adenuga, Head of CDC Nigeria Office and Coverage Director said:

“This debt facility is an important step in supporting Nigerian businesses in crucial sub-sectors such as food and agriculture. This deal cements our relationships with Stanbic IBTC and Standard Bank Group, both key partners in Nigeria and across the continent. Our patient capital plays an important role in unlocking dollar funding, which is vital to finance longer-term investment projects in Nigeria.

We have been investing in Nigeria for over 70 years, currently we are partnering with nearly 100 companies here. We continue to prioritise Nigeria as a key investment region.”

Wole Adeniyi, Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC: “Our partnership with CDC will strengthen Stanbic IBTC’s commitment to support Nigerian businesses amid the current context. Continuing to provide financing to local businesses is fundamental to mitigating the impacts of COVID-19 and accelerating Nigeria’s long-term economic recovery.”