A new report released by British International Investment (BII) and Swedfund has identified a $209 billion financing shortfall for Black‑owned businesses operating in five African markets, with Nigeria confronting the widest gap of all.
The study quantifies the unmet capital needs of Black‑owned enterprises across the selected economies, highlighting that current investment flows fall far short of the funding required to scale operations and create jobs.
According to the report, the funding gap represents a significant barrier to the growth of these businesses, which are pivotal to broader economic development and inclusive prosperity in the region.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and its largest economy, accounts for the greatest portion of the shortfall, underscoring the scale of financing challenges faced by Black‑owned firms in the nation.
The findings call for increased mobilization of private and public capital to bridge the gap, urging investors and development partners to prioritize financing solutions that support Black‑owned enterprises across the continent.
<small>Source: Punch Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>