Dangote Foundation, BoI Establish N5bn Fund for MSMEs
By Patience Ikpeme
The Aliko Dangote Foundation and the Bank of Industry (BoI) have created a N5 billion fund dedicated to supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across Nigeria.
This initiative was announced by Fatima Wali-Abdurrahman, Senior Adviser to the President of Dangote Group, at the Dangote Special Day during the ongoing 2025 Nasarawa Trade Fair Exhibition in Lafia.
The Senior Adviser, represented by Hon. Dr. Shuaibu Abdullahi, the company’s National Assembly Liaison Lead, expressed Dangote Group’s ongoing commitment to partnering with both government and private sectors to advance small business development.
According to her, “This initiative aimed to create at least one million direct jobs by providing financial support to entrepreneurs engaged in manufacturing, agro-processing, and the merchandising of goods made wholly in Nigeria.”
She added that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had already provided benefits to various micro-enterprises, including cassava processors, aluminum artisans, poultry farmers, calabash carving groups, small traders, cattle rearing groups, vegetable sellers, market women, and artisan groups, among others.
As part of its broader support for MSMEs in Nigeria, the company had also assisted Jakura Marble Industry Ltd (JMIL) with electrification.
Furthermore, she stated that, consistent with the company’s commitment to supporting small businesses, agriculture, and job creation in Nigeria, Dangote Fertiliser Limited had launched a comprehensive training programme targeting over one million farmers nationwide.
“This programme, integral to our agricultural extension services, encompasses Spot Demonstrations, Result Demonstrations, Field Demonstrations, and Soil Sample Collections.
“The training is designed to educate farmers on best practices in fertiliser application, aiming to enhance crop yields and promote sustainable farming techniques. By providing hands-on demonstrations and soil analysis, we strive to empower farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary to improve their productivity and livelihoods.
“This programme demonstrates our dedication to fostering agricultural development and economic growth in Nigeria.”
According to her, the company’s support for “Fostering Economic Development Through Mineral and Agricultural Cottage Industrialization” is extensive.
She added that “our sponsorship of numerous Trade Fairs—including this one organized by the Nigerian Association of Small-Scale Industrialists (NASSI)—is a key component of our commitment to fostering the growth of trade and small businesses across Nigeria.
“By supporting this Trade Fair, we aim to provide micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with platforms to showcase their products, network with potential partners, and access new markets, thereby contributing to the nation’s economic development.
“As a company, we are therefore joining NASSI and NACCIMA to call on the public and private sector stakeholders to prioritize MSMES in Nigeria. This is key to our industrialization effort in Nigeria.”
She disclosed that several Strategic Business Units from the Dangote Group are participating in the Trade Fair, including Dangote Fertiliser Limited (DFL), Dangote Peugeot Automobiles Nigeria Limited (DPAN), Dangote SinoTruck, Dangote Sugar Refinery (DSR), Dangote Salt (NASCON), and Dangote Cement Plc.
