The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone has established a €6 million agri-financing facility to expand access to affordable lending for farmers and agribusinesses. Implemented under the Salone Access to Finance project, the facility will expand access to finance across the agricultural sector by combining EU funding with private capital from Sierra Leonean financial institutions. This blended finance approach reduces the cost of borrowing and enables farmers and agribusinesses to grow their businesses, create jobs, and strengthen food security.

In alignment with the Government’s Feed Salone initiative, the partnership demonstrates how catalytic finance can accelerate agricultural transformation and support inclusive national growth. The Facility is being implemented by UNCDF with funding from the European Union and in partnership with Vista Bank Sierra Leone and Safe Capital Microfinance.

“The Salone Access to Finance Facility is a strong example of how we can empower smallholder farmers and agribusinesses to move from subsistence to success,” said the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Kpaka. “It aligns with the Feed Salone vision and will help create jobs, improve productivity, and strengthen the rural economy.”

Through the partnership the Facility aims to demonstrate viable financing models for the agricultural sector while supporting inclusive economic growth, job creation and stronger rural value chains across Sierra Leone.

UNCDF and partner financial institutions mark the official launch of the Salone Access to Finance Agri-Financing Facility. Photo: UNCDF.