ARM Investment Managers has launched a ₦200 billion private debt programme to boost SME financing in Nigeria. The initiative aims to expand access to structured, long-term capital for growing businesses. It also supports sustainable economic growth and job creation nationwide.
The Chief Executive Officer of ARM Private Debt Fund, Deji Opeola, disclosed this during the Lagos launch. He announced Series I of the ARM Private Debt Fund at the event. The fund is a closed-ended private credit vehicle targeting scalable small businesses. It also offers stable, risk-adjusted returns to qualified investors.
Series I targets an initial ₦25 billion raise under a broader ₦200 billion shelf programme. The programme operates within approved regulatory frameworks. The fund will deploy capital through senior secured term loans. It will also offer revolving credit facilities and selective subordinated debt. These instruments will support high-quality SMEs across key sectors.
Priority sectors include manufacturing, trade, logistics, agribusiness value chains, and technology-driven services. The launch responds to limited long-term credit access for Nigerian SMEs. SMEs contribute nearly half of national GDP and most employment. However, regulatory pressures and high interest rates limit bank lending capacity.
Opeola noted Africa’s SME credit gap exceeds $40 billion. Nigeria alone accounts for a $32.2 billion financing gap. Meanwhile, private credit assets remain significantly underdeveloped across the continent.
ARM structured the fund with strong governance and disciplined risk management. At least 80 percent will be senior secured, asset-backed facilities. The fund targets institutional investors, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals. Expected returns exceed Nigeria’s 10-year bond yield by 300 basis points.
ARM believes private debt will unlock inclusive growth and strengthen Nigeria’s real economy.
