Freetown, Sierra Leone – 5th November, 2025: The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), in partnership with the Government of Sierra Leone and the European Union (EU), has launched a new €6 million “Salone Access to Finance” Agri-Financing Facility to make it easier and more affordable for farmers and agribusinesses to access loans.
The Facility will expand access to finance across the agricultural sector by combining EU funding with private capital from Sierra Leonean financial institutions. This innovative approach reduces the cost of borrowing and opens opportunities for farmers and agribusinesses to grow, create jobs, and strengthen food security.
In alignment with the Government’s Feed Salone initiative, this partnership demonstrates how blended finance can transform agriculture and support inclusive national growth. The Facility is being implemented by UNCDF with funding from the EU and in partnership with Vista Bank Sierra Leone and Safe Capital Microfinance.
The Minister of Agriculture and Food Security-Dr. Henry Kpaka welcomed the initiative, saying:
“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. It aligns with the Feed Salone vision and will help create jobs, improve productivity, and build a stronger rural economy.”
Who Can Apply
The Facility is open to agricultural enterprises across the entire value chain, including smallholder farmers, cooperatives, farmer groups, processors, aggregators, and agribusinesses involved in crops such as rice, cassava, maize, vegetables, palm oil, cocoa, cashew, and poultry.
Farmers and agribusinesses can apply for loans to:
• Buy seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs
• Acquire farm equipment or processing machinery
• Support working capital and business expansion
Where and How to Apply
Applications are now open at Vista Bank and Safe Capital Microfinance branches nationwide. Interested applicants can visit any branch to learn more about eligibility, prepare loan applications, and receive guidance from trained officers.
All applications will be reviewed fairly and transparently. Applicants must show a viable business plan and repayment capacity.
What Partners Are Saying
H.E. Jacek Jankowski, EU Ambassador to Sierra Leone:
“Agriculture is central to Sierra Leone’s economic transformation. By improving access to affordable finance, we are empowering farmers and agribusinesses to unlock their full potential and drive inclusive growth.”
Firuz Shukurov, UNCDF Country Lead:
“This Facility is a bold step towards building a stronger financial ecosystem for agriculture. The €6 million EU contribution will unlock an additional €6 million from local banks to support long-term agricultural investment.”
Pa Ousman Njie, Managing Director, Vista Bank (SL) Ltd:
“Vista Bank is proud to be part of this initiative that places trust and opportunity directly in the hands of Agri-MSMEs. Repayment discipline will ensure continued access to finance and growth for all.”
Siaka Jaward, Managing Director, Safe Capital Microfinance:
“We believe that smallholder farmers and Agri-MSMEs are key to food security and rural development. This Facility allows them to access finance on fair terms and grow their businesses with confidence.”
Key Facts at a Glance
• Who: Vista Bank and Safe Capital Microfinance, supported by UNCDF, EU, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security
• What: €6 million Agri-Financing Facility to support smallholder farmers and Agri-MSMEs
• When: Facility launched in 2025; disbursements now underway
• Where: Available nationwide through Vista Bank and Safe Capital branches
• Why: To boost agricultural production, create jobs, and promote inclusive economic growth
• How: By combining EU funds with local bank lending to make loans more affordable
