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Add to Preferred SourcesCDC Group, the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor, has announced a US$75 million debt commitment to Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC (‘’Stanbic IBTC’’), a subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC and member of the Standard Bank Group.
CDC’s long-term funding will enable Stanbic IBTC 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.
“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,” said Benson Adenuga, Head of CDC Nigeria Office and Coverage Director.
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.
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.
This investment contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals 2 (Zero Hunger) and 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth).
Original source: CDC