Development Bank of Nigeria Plc

Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ is intended to help project developers, businesses, financial institutions, and the general public understand how DBN mobilises climate finance for qualifying projects.

About the Green Climate Fund (GCF)

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is one of the world's largest climate finance mechanisms, supporting low-carbon and climate-resilient development. DBN holds Direct Access Entity (DAE) status, meaning it can originate, structure, and submit funding proposals while bearing full fiduciary responsibility.

Projects must demonstrate a clear climate rationale and align with DBN’s MSME mandate. They are assessed against DBN’s climate eligibility criteria and GCF thresholds.

Yes. DBN provides climate finance through Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) and, in some cases, directly through its lending window subject to eligibility and credit assessment.

No direct submissions. Projects must pass DBN’s eligibility assessment and be incorporated into its climate finance pipeline before DBN structures and submits them to GCF.

DBN does not accept external PPF requests. However, it may initiate PPF support for projects it selects internally after submission and screening.
About DBN's Climate Finance Programme

A programme designed to provide affordable financing to Nigerian MSMEs investing in climate solutions, including technical assistance and capacity building.

Nigerian MSMEs in climate-relevant sectors such as solar, energy efficiency, and climate-smart agriculture. At least 30% of funding is reserved for women-led businesses.

  • Mitigation impact (e.g., emissions reduction, diesel displacement)
  • Adaptation impact (e.g., resilience to climate risks)

DBN provides debt financing in Naira through PFIs and direct lending (for eligible projects). Grants and equity financing are not currently available.

Submit your project through the online portal. You will receive a reference number after submission.

DBN screens the project for eligibility. If successful, you will be contacted within 2–4 weeks.

Strong applications include co-financing from private or institutional sources. Projects seeking 100% funding are unlikely to qualify.

  • Weak climate rationale
  • Lack of financial viability
  • No co-financing pathway
  • Limited scale
  • Misalignment with DBN’s lending model