AfDB, Fidelity Bank Sign $50m Financing Agreement for MSMEs

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has sealed a $50 million financing deal with Fidelity Bank Plc, for on-lending to Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Nigeria.
The facility is designed to boost the bank’s capacity to promote the growth of the MSMEs segment of the economy.

The agreement was signed Tuesday, May 7th, 2019 in Abuja.
Under the agreement, the facility will be dedicated to financing the MSMEs and a minimum of 30 per cent of the entire financial package “will be devoted to wholly women-owned enterprises.”
AfDB Senior Director/Country Representative, Ebrima Faal, who signed on behalf of the multilateral institution, said the AfDB was excited with Fidelity Bank’s partnership;

“The lines of credit tended to be general support for SMEs. This one has strong emphasis on gender. It can be considered as a vanguard credit for us. Our main focus is to reach out to SMEs to give the much needed impact.”
“The bank should ensure that the requirement for loan disbursement is okay to enable it reach out to the target audience. The $50 million credit line will contribute to strengthening Fidelity Bank’s presence in its key market segments.”
“AfDB believes the selection of Fidelity bank for the seven-year credit facility, with a two-year moratorium, is based on its strong presence in the MSMEs.”

In the same vein, Fidelity Bank’s Deputy Managing Director, Mohammed Balarabewho signed for the bank, said “The line of credit granted to the bank is particularly unique because gender has been brought in mainly because 30 per cent of this loan is to be targeted at MSMEs that are driven by women. So, that makes it unique.”

“They have to be run by women. Most importantly, it is aimed at businesses at that low level so that they can catalyse development in the country. The MSME sector remains the most active in terms of generating employment and fostering development which is why Fidelity Bank has consistent targeted that segment.”
“That is why the AfDB has found us fitting to be one of the bank’s that will be benefiting for onward lending to MSMEs. When it is absolutely necessary, Fidelity extends a line of credit to such businesses at cheap rates, which are far lower than market rates.”

May 08, 2019