Sahel Capital, through its Social Enterprise Fund for Agriculture in Africa (SEFAA), has secured a $10 million investment from the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund, managed by MEDA (Mennonite Economic Development Associates, Mauritius).
This strategic partnership marks a significant milestone in strengthening Africa’s agricultural ecosystem and unlocking growth for smallholder farmers, agri-SMEs, and rural communities across sub-Saharan Africa.
Empowering Farmers and Creating Jobs
The Mastercard Foundation’s commitment will enable SEFAA to:
- Support more financially viable agri-SMEs that are underserved by traditional banks.
- Create over 10,000 jobs for women and youths across 13 African countries.
- Bridge financing gaps for enterprises that drive income generation for smallholder farmers (SHFs).
- Accelerate poverty reduction by expanding opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Since its launch in 2021, SEFAA has already processed 33 facilities for 18 companies across 7 African countries, underscoring its strong track record of impact.
Leadership Perspectives
“This $10 million commitment from the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund, through MEDA Mauritius, is a testament to our team’s hard work and the impactful work we are doing. It will be instrumental in accelerating our efforts to improve income opportunities for SHFs by enabling the agri-SMEs that engage with them.” Mezuo Nwuneli, Managing Partner, Sahel Capital
“We are proud to partner with SEFAA and Sahel Capital, whose strategic vision aligns with MEDA’s commitment to advancing economic opportunity through inclusive finance. With the support of the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund, this collaboration strengthens our shared mission to catalyse job creation for women and youth by financing SMEs and MSMEs.” Dorothy Nyambi, President & CEO, MEDA
Strengthening Africa’s Agricultural Ecosystem
The Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund focuses on unlocking capital for African SMEs and enabling them to scale sustainably while creating dignified jobs. Its investment in SEFAA represents a catalytic capital infusion designed to fuel long-term inclusive growth.
The expansion of SEFAA has also been supported by KfW Development Bank, whose early investment was pivotal in establishing the Fund and shaping its mission.
