The World Bank Group says it plans to help attract up to $5.79 billion in private investment to Nigeria in 2026. One of its major programmes is expected to support about 850,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The funding will support key sectors, including digital infrastructure, agriculture, telecommunications and small businesses.
The World Bank Group said the initiative combines financial support, business investments and economic reforms to attract private investors and boost Nigeria’s economic growth.
Digital infrastructure to attract $1.1 billion
Through its Broadband Infrastructure Development (BRIDGE) Project, the World Bank aims to provide an additional 58 million Nigerians with access to affordable internet by 2030.
The project seeks to increase broadband coverage from 92 million people in 2025 to 150 million by 2030.
The first phase is expected to attract at least $156 million in private investment, while later phases could raise the total investment to $1.1 billion by 2030.
The project also plans to connect 38,800 public schools, 16,900 health facilities and 3,400 local government offices to broadband services.
It is expected to benefit an additional 42 million young people and 15 million women.
MSME financing to support 850,000 jobs
The Financial Inclusion for Nigeria (FINCLUDE) programme is expected to attract nearly $1.89 billion in private investment and support about 850,000 direct and indirect jobs.
The programme targets more than 250,000 micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), particularly businesses operating in sectors that create many jobs.
It includes a $500 million financing package from the World Bank’s International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and International Development Association.
At least 30 per cent of the funding is earmarked for businesses owned by women.
The programme aims to improve access to loans and other financial services for small businesses while encouraging job creation.
Agriculture projects to support one million farmers
The Agricultural Value Chains for Growth (AGROW) Project aims to support one million smallholder farmers, including women and young people.
The project is expected to attract $220 million from agribusiness companies and another $22 million from certified seed producers.
The funding will help strengthen agricultural value chains and improve farmers’ access to quality seeds and other essential farming inputs.
Separately, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank Group’s private sector investment arm, helped raise $1.02 billion for Dangote Industries and $282.5 million for Indorama Fertilizer.
The two companies have a combined production capacity of 6.8 million metric tonnes annually.
Their investments are expected to improve access to agricultural inputs and boost productivity for more than 10 million smallholder farmers.
IHS Towers attracts over $1.1 billion
The IFC also helped attract more than $1.1 billion in private investment through a $1.2 billion bond issued by IHS Towers.
The IFC acted as a major investor in the bond, helping the company attract additional funding from private investors.
The transaction highlights how the World Bank Group uses its investments to encourage private businesses to provide funding for infrastructure, including telecommunications.
World Bank links reforms to investment growth
The World Bank Group said Nigeria’s economic reforms since mid-2023 have helped create a more predictable environment for investors.
The reforms include changes to foreign exchange management, public finances and fuel subsidies.
The latest investment plans build on earlier World Bank programmes designed to improve access to finance for businesses and increase agricultural productivity.
In December 2025, the World Bank approved a $500 million financing package for the FINCLUDE programme to improve access to credit for Nigerian small businesses.
The programme particularly targets women-owned businesses and agribusinesses.
In April 2026, the World Bank also approved a $500 million credit for the AGROW Project to improve farmers’ productivity, strengthen agricultural value chains and support food security in Nigeria.
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