Beyond the financing figures and commitments, how does capital translate into business growth, innovation, jobs and economic opportunity?
These questions took centre stage as the European Investment Bank (EIB) showcased the achievements of Boost Africa at the Nigeria–EU Global Gateway Investment Partnership Lab, held on the sidelines of the 32nd Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja.
The event, convened by Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in collaboration with the EIB’s Boost Africa team, brought together government officials, European development institutions, investors and private-sector leaders to explore how strategic partnerships and innovative financing can accelerate Nigeria’s economic development.
In his remarks, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Nigeria’s Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, emphasised the importance of mobilising private investment to support Nigeria’s economic transformation.
H.E. Gautier Mignot, European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, highlighted the importance of translating investment partnerships into concrete opportunities, including stronger support for Nigeria’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Bringing the Boost Africa story to life
A major highlight of the event was the session “Boost Africa: From Capital to Impact,” which brought together representatives of development finance institutions, venture capital funds and Nigerian businesses to examine what investment has made possible.
The session opened with a short video introducing Boost Africa and its contribution to supporting innovative African enterprises.
Moussa Nakoulima, EIB Regional Head for West and Central Africa, provided an overview of the initiative, highlighting its achievements and the role of development finance in mobilising investment for African entrepreneurs.
Launched as a joint initiative of the EIB and the African Development Bank, with support from the European Union, Boost Africa combines investment through venture capital funds with technical assistance to strengthen Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The initiative has attracted more than €100 million in EIB investment commitments to venture capital funds, supporting enterprise development across sectors including technology, financial services, agribusiness and renewable energy.
From investment funds to growing businesses
Moving from the institutional perspective to the investment ecosystem, Daisy Leich, Director of Strategy at TLcom, shared insights into the role of venture capital in supporting African businesses.
Her contribution highlighted why financing alone is not enough. For growing enterprises, access to strategic guidance, expertise and networks can be just as important as access to capital. The discussion then turned to two Nigerian businesses whose experiences illustrated the opportunities that investment can help unlock.
Michael Babalola, Director of Operations at Beacon Power Services, shared the company’s experience of developing technology-driven solutions for the energy sector, demonstrating how innovation can help address operational challenges in electricity distribution.
Representing ChipMango, Hamilton discussed the company’s work in developing Nigeria’s semiconductor engineering capabilities and creating opportunities for local talent to participate in the global technology industry.
Together, these perspectives illustrated the journey from development finance to venture capital investment and, ultimately, to businesses delivering practical solutions.
They also reinforced an important distinction: Boost Africa supports enterprises through its investments in venture capital funds, helping create the conditions for innovative businesses to access financing and grow.
Looking ahead: Building on Boost Africa’s experience
Beyond reflecting on achievements, the session also provided an opportunity to discuss the future of financing for African innovation.
Participants were introduced to Boost Ventures, a successor initiative intended to build on Boost Africa’s experience and expand financing opportunities for innovative African businesses.
Backed by a €129 million European Commission guarantee, the initiative represents a further commitment to strengthening Africa’s venture capital ecosystem and supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs.
For Nigeria, where innovative businesses continue to develop solutions across critical sectors, sustained access to investment, expertise and strategic partnerships will remain essential.
Investment as a catalyst for lasting impact
The Boost Africa session reinforced a central message of the Nigeria–EU investment partnership: development finance can play a catalytic role in mobilising private investment and helping businesses realise their potential.
By bringing together the institutions providing finance, the funds investing in enterprises and the businesses translating investment into solutions, the discussion offered a practical picture of how development partnerships can contribute to economic growth. The story of Boost Africa is ultimately not only about how much capital has been invested, but about what that investment has made possible: stronger businesses, new capabilities, innovative solutions and opportunities for Africa’s future.
Learn more at
https://www.eib.org/en/products/mandates-partnerships/boost-africa/index
