Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) – Corporate Profile
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) in collaboration with global development partners, with the primary objective of addressing the significant financing gaps faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country.
DBN’s mandate is centered on alleviating the financial constraints encountered by MSMEs and small corporates by providing access to sustainable financing and partial credit guarantees. This is achieved through eligible financial intermediaries, including Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and Microfinance Banks (MFBs), on a market-conforming and financially sustainable basis.
Our Partners
African Development Bank (AfDB)
The overarching objective of the African Development Bank (AfDB) Group is to spur sustainable economic development and social progress in its regional member countries (RMCs), thus contributing to poverty reduction.
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French Agency for Development (AFD)
The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) Group funds, supports and accelerates the transition to a fairer and more sustainable world.
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The World Bank
The World Bank Group works in every major area of development. We provide a wide array of financial products and technical assistance, and we help countries share and apply innovative knowledge and solutions to the challenges they face.
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European Investment Bank (EIB)
Wastewater is not a problem. It is a highly valuable source of water, nutrients and energy. But more than 80% of all wastewater is wasted. We need to change how we treat it and make wastewater resource recovery a priority
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KFW Development Bank
The projects and programmes promoted by KfW Development Bank are proposed by the governments of our partner countries; the respective country's development strategies and structures form the basis.
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With a strong commitment to promoting inclusive and diversified economic growth, DBN plays a catalytic role in supporting enterprise development across Nigeria. The Bank channels targeted wholesale funding to bridge identified financing gaps within the MSME ecosystem, which is crucial for stimulating domestic production and expanding commercial activities.
Recognizing that MSMEs are the largest employers in most low-income economies including Nigeria DBN is strategically positioned to tackle the persistent challenges they face. These include limited access to credit, equity financing, savings, insurance, and other essential risk-management tools. By addressing these gaps, DBN helps unlock the potential of MSMEs to contribute meaningfully to economic growth, employment generation, poverty alleviation, and the creation of shared prosperity.
In Nigeria, there are over 37 million MSMEs contributing to over 50% of Nigeria’s GDP. However, less than 5% of these businesses have access to credit in the financial system.
Beyond funding, DBN also works to strengthen the capacity of partner financial institutions. Through risk-sharing facilities, technical assistance, and tailored funding solutions, the Bank supports these institutions in scaling their services to better meet the unique needs of MSMEs.
The Development Bank of Nigeria remains committed to building a more inclusive financial system that empowers entrepreneurs, promotes innovation, and drives long-term economic transformation in Nigeria.