In a remarkable move set to transform the agricultural financing landscape across sub-Saharan Africa, Sahel Capital’s Social Enterprise Fund for Agriculture in Africa (SEFAA) has secured a significant $10 million investment from the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund, managed through MEDA in Mauritius. This injection brings fresh momentum to efforts aimed at empowering small and medium agribusinesses—especially those often overlooked by traditional lenders—to scale sustainably and contribute meaningfully to local economies.
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Empowering Agri-SMEs: Bridging Financing Gaps for Real Impact
Since its launch in 2021 with backing from KfW Development Bank, SEFAA has been steadfast in its mission: to deliver impact-first financing to agribusinesses that support smallholder farmers, drive productivity, and foster inclusive growth. These enterprises, while financially viable, frequently miss out on loans from commercial banks. SEFAA bridges that gap with debt, quasi-equity, and even equity funding ranging from $300,000 to $2.4 million, complemented by a robust Technical Assistance Facility to enhance governance, operations, and sustainability.
To date, the fund has supported 18 companies across seven countries, delivering 33 financing facilities that have already begun reshaping agricultural value chains.
$10M Fuel: A Vote of Confidence and Catalyst for Jobs
This fresh investment not only reflects confidence in SEFAA’s vision but also signals the expanding reach of its impact. Managing Partner Mezuo Nwuneli noted that the $10 million commitment from the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund—channelled through MEDA Mauritius—is a “testament to our team’s hard work” and will accelerate their mission to boost income opportunities for smallholder farmers by supporting agri-SMEs.
Equally, Dorothy Nyambi, President and CEO of MEDA, emphasised shared values: this partnership “catalyses job creation for women and youth by financing SMEs and MSMEs, while also building the enabling ecosystems they need to thrive sustainably.”
Notably, SEFAA aims to generate over 10,000 jobs for women and youth across 13 African countries, reinforcing the potential for scalable, inclusive development in the agriculture sector.
Aligned Strategies: Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works
The Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund—a $200 million fund-of-funds—invests deliberately in gender-diverse African fund managers and builds their capacity to drive inclusive growth. This latest injection into SEFAA is closely aligned with the Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy, which focuses on empowering women and youth in key countries such as Nigeria, Kenya, Ghana, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Uganda.
By supporting SEFAA, the Foundation is driving catalytic capital into high-potential agribusinesses that can create sustainable employment, close gender disparities, and strengthen rural economies.
Forward Momentum: Scaling Impact Across the Continent
With this new capital, SEFAA is now better equipped to deepen its operations and widen its geographic footprint. The fund remains one of the few impact-first initiatives exclusively dedicated to agricultural value chains in sub-Saharan Africa, offering not just money but tailored technical support to ensure lasting benefits.
The ripple effects are clear: stronger agri-SMEs mean better income for farmers, more jobs in rural communities, and greater food security. By championing the synergy between profitability and purpose, SEFAA, MEDA, and the Mastercard Foundation are setting a template for how partnership-driven financing can foster equitable agricultural growth across Africa.
Summary Table: Key Highlights
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Amount Raised | $10 million from Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund via MEDA |
| Fund Manager | Sahel Capital (SEFAA) |
| Funding Range | $300,000 to $2.4 million per SME |
| Support Mechanism | Financial capital + Technical Assistance Facility |
| Impact to Date | 33 facilities, 18 companies, 7 countries |
| Target Outcome | Over 10,000 jobs across 13 countries for women and youth |
| Strategic Alignment | With Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy |
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