IFC has announced a new partnership with the Banque Nationale de Développement Agricole (BNDA) to strengthen small business financing and promote job creation in Mali’s vital agricultural sector. The sector, which supports nearly 80% of the population and contributes around one-third of the country’s GDP, will receive a significant boost through this collaboration aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Under the agreement, IFC will provide a $40 million senior loan to BNDA, enabling the bank to double its lending portfolio for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to over $270 million within five years. The initiative will prioritize smallholder farmers, cooperatives, and businesses engaged in climate-smart agriculture. At least a quarter of the funding will be allocated to enterprises owned or led by women, while 10% will support projects focused on renewable energy, sustainable irrigation, and climate resilience.
The investment is expected to generate between 8,600 and 14,200 direct and indirect jobs in the coming years while increasing BNDA’s green finance portfolio by almost 90%. IFC’s support also includes a $10 million trade financing facility to enhance the flow of essential imports and exports. Officials from both institutions emphasized that the partnership aligns with their shared goals of expanding financial access, supporting rural entrepreneurs, and integrating digital and sustainable solutions across Mali’s agricultural value chains.
Beyond financial assistance, IFC will provide advisory services to help BNDA strengthen its agricultural lending strategy, enhance risk management systems, and further embed gender and green finance considerations into its business operations. This includes developing customized tools such as credit scoring systems to better serve farmers and small business owners.
The collaboration reinforces BNDA’s pivotal role in advancing Mali’s food security and rural development while contributing to IFC’s broader mission of promoting inclusive growth in the Sahel. With an active portfolio of around $365.6 million in Mali, IFC continues to invest in critical sectors such as agribusiness, renewable energy, and digital infrastructure—key drivers of climate resilience and economic opportunity across the region.
