A financing initiative supported by the United Kingdom and FSD Africa aims to mobilize N3.75 billion in domestic investment for women-led Nigerian enterprises over three years. The programme will operate through the RiTA Investment Network, established by Rising Tide Africa to connect businesses with angel investors, family offices and other local sources of capital.
FSD Africa is providing a $335,000 grant, backed by UK funding, to help establish the network’s governance, legal framework and operating systems. The initiative initially aims to support 15 small and growing businesses, addressing difficulties women entrepreneurs face in securing conventional loans, particularly where they lack acceptable collateral.
The network plans to offer financing denominated in naira, including revenue-based arrangements in which repayment varies with sales. Supporters say this could reduce currency risk for businesses earning local revenues while allowing founders to retain ownership. Rising Tide Africa has reported approximately $1.5 million in preliminary investment commitments and a longer-term ambition to establish a $10 million growth debt fund.
Officials from the British High Commission, FSD Africa and the network said Nigeria has substantial domestic capital but needs better structures to channel it towards viable enterprises. The network reported completing an initial transaction with Ororo Waste Management Limited in September 2026. The announced fundraising targets remain goals rather than evidence that the full amounts have already been invested.
