By Busola Bamidele
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) has unveiled a bold five-year strategic plan to grow its loan portfolio to over N1.8 trillion and generate two million jobs by boosting support for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
Managing Director Tony Okpanachi disclosed this in Lagos, stating that the bank aims to raise N3 trillion in debt and equity to deepen MSME financing, a key driver of economic growth and employment in Nigeria.
“We want to scale up what we’ve done in the first five years. There’s still a lot to be done in Nigeria,” Okpanachi said.
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The plan includes allocating 20% of loans to women-led businesses and 40% to those owned by economically disadvantaged Nigerians. DBN also seeks to expand green financing and support underserved regions.
With 1.2 million jobs already supported in the bank’s first five years, the new strategy is designed to enhance inclusivity, sustainability, and financial resilience.
