22 SEP 2026

How Nigerian corporates and wealthy families can leverage on the Mauritius International Financial Centre (MIFC) and MCB

Nigeria’s leading corporates are expanding internationally and increasingly require trusted partners to support cross-border growth, trade and investment.
MCB strengthened its presence in Nigeria through a USD 51 million financing for Tolaram, supporting the refinancing of its Guinness Nigeria acquisition and reinforcing the Singapore-Nigeria corridor.
Together, MCB and the Mauritius International Financial Centre provide Nigerian businesses, investors and family-owned enterprises with a platform for financing, international expansion and wealth management.

Nigeria, as one of the largest African countries in terms of GDP and population, is home to some of Africa's most ambitious and globally minded businesses. Led by entrepreneurs such as Aliko Dangote, Nigerian companies are increasingly expanding beyond their domestic market, diversifying into high-growth sectors and building regional champions. From cement manufacturing and fertiliser production to petroleum refining and exports across Africa and international markets, the Dangote Group exemplifies the scale and ambition of Nigeria's private sector. As more Nigerian corporates pursue cross-border growth, secure international funding and expand their global footprint, access to trusted financial partners and internationally connected financial centres has become increasingly important. In this context, the MIFC and MCB provide a compelling platform to support Nigerian businesses and entrepreneurs as they seize opportunities across Africa and beyond.

MCB reinforced its commitment to Nigeria by structuring and providing a USD 51 million medium-term loan facility for Tolaram, the Singapore-headquartered multinational and one of Africa's largest consumer goods groups. The facility partially refinanced an existing short-term one linked to Tolaram's acquisition of Guinness Nigeria Plc, enabling the company to adopt a longer-term funding structure better aligned with its growth objectives. This landmark deal underscores MCB's broader Asia-to-Africa strategy, which focuses on facilitating trade, investment and capital flows between two of the world's fastest-growing regions. Reflecting on the Tolaram transaction, MCB Chief Executive Officer Thierry Hebraud mentioned that “Asian groups are building real industrial capacity in Africa, and they need a bank that understands both ends of the route. Tolaram has been present in Nigeria for decades, expanding rapidly to other parts of Africa and Middle East. And it is a market we know well. We intend to keep on developing the Singapore to Nigeria corridor.” According to Rahul Somani, Group CFO, Tolaram: “MCB played an important role in refinancing short-term loan and structuring it to the long-term tenure, Tolaram is highly impressed with the professional and pragmatic approach and with solution finding attitude of the MCB team”. Marking the beginning of a long relation, this landmark transaction represents an important milestone in the Bank’s continued expansion across key African markets.

For Nigerian corporates, the Bank offers much more than financing. MCB provides an integrated suite of solutions covering trade finance, foreign exchange and treasury products, cash management, corporate lending and advisory services. These capabilities enable businesses to support working capital needs, manage currency risks, fund expansion projects and execute cross-border transactions efficiently. The Bank's longstanding presence in Africa further enhances its value proposition. Nigeria remains one of MCB's priority markets, supported by a representative office in Lagos and complemented by offices in Johannesburg, Nairobi, Paris and Dubai. This network allows the Bank to connect Nigerian businesses to trade and investment opportunities across Africa, the Middle East, Europe and Asia.

Alongside MCB's banking capabilities, the MIFC offers Nigerian investors and entrepreneurs a globally recognised platform for international business and wealth management. Investors choose Mauritius for its political stability, investment-grade rating, robust regulatory framework and global connectivity. These advantages make it an attractive jurisdiction for establishing international holding structures, facilitating cross-border investments and managing multi-jurisdictional operations. For affluent individuals and family businesses, Mauritius also offers access to sophisticated wealth management solutions, including portfolio diversification, succession planning and international investment opportunities. Together, the MIFC and MCB provide Nigerian businesses and families with a trusted platform to finance growth, expand internationally and preserve wealth. As demonstrated by the Tolaram transaction, they serve as a strategic bridge connecting Nigeria to global opportunities while supporting sustainable long-term value creation.