New Funding Opportunities for MSMEs as Alpha10 Unveils ₦500 Million Halal Fund

New funding opportunities have emerged for Nigeria’s Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) following the launch of a ₦500 million Halal Fund by Alpha10 Group, a SEC-licensed investment firm focused on ethical finance and alternative asset management.

The fund, unveiled in Abuja on Wednesday, is designed to expand access to Sharia-compliant investment opportunities while channelling capital toward productive sectors of the economy, with MSMEs identified as key beneficiaries of the initiative.

According to Alpha10 Group, the Halal Fund is structured as a non-interest investment vehicle aimed at bridging financing gaps that continue to limit the growth and scalability of small businesses across Nigeria. The initiative also aligns with the broader push for financial inclusion and the development of ethical investment markets in the country.

Speaking at the launch, the Managing Director of Alpha10 Group, Abigail Utomi, described the fund as a strategic expansion of the firm’s investment portfolio and a response to rising demand for ethical financial products among investors and businesses.

She explained that the fund is open to a wide range of investors and is designed to provide structured, risk-managed exposure to productive sectors of the economy, while ensuring compliance with Sharia principles that prohibit interest-based returns and speculative exposure.

Utomi noted that MSMEs remain a critical pillar of Nigeria’s economy but continue to face significant challenges in accessing affordable and structured financing. She stated that the Halal Fund is positioned to help address this gap by mobilizing private capital into real economic activities that support job creation and sustainable growth.

As a Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)-registered fund manager, Alpha10 Group specializes in portfolio management, securities trading, and financial advisory services. The company said the new fund reflects its long-term commitment to developing innovative investment solutions that balance profitability with ethical responsibility.

Chairman of the Board, Chibuzo Ekwekwuo, emphasized that the future of Nigeria’s financial sector depends on expanding access to investment opportunities beyond traditional high-net-worth investors. He reiterated the firm’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, trust, and transparency in managing investor funds.

Also speaking, Independent Non-Executive Director, Mohammed Umar, highlighted the structural challenges facing MSMEs, particularly limited access to formal financing channels. He noted that expanding investment participation among small business owners and underserved communities is essential for inclusive economic development.

Umar added that ethical finance products such as the Halal Fund provide a credible alternative financing pathway that can help unlock long-term value in sectors that have historically been underfunded.

With the launch of the ₦500 million Halal Fund, Alpha10 Group is positioning itself as a key player in Nigeria’s growing ethical investment ecosystem. The fund is expected to deepen participation in non-interest finance while creating structured opportunities for MSMEs and investors seeking sustainable wealth creation options.