By: Saidu Jalloh
The Government of Sierra Leone has launched a €6 million agriculture financing facility expected to leverage an additional €6 million from private-sector partners in a major effort to expand access to capital for farmers, agribusinesses, and MSMEs under the Feed Salone initiative.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, announced the launch of the Salone Access to Finance Agri-Financing Facility, describing it as “a practical step toward accelerating agricultural transformation” in Sierra Leone.
The €6 million facility, funded by the European Union and implemented through the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), introduces a blended financing model that combines matching grants with agri-loans. Officials noted that this structure is intended to attract equal investment from commercial partners bringing total new capital inflows for the agriculture sector to €12 million.
According to the Minister, financial institutions including Vista Bank and Safe Capital Microfinance will serve as implementing partners. They are expected to provide accessible financing tailored to the needs of farmers, agri-innovators, and value-chain operators seeking to scale production, improve efficiency, and strengthen rural livelihoods.
Dr. Kpaka emphasized that supporting SMEs remains central to the government’s strategy to stimulate economic growth and enhance national food security. He encouraged agribusinesses and MSMEs across the country to apply for financing under the programme, stressing that increased private-sector participation will be critical to the success of Feed Salone.
Representatives from the EU and UNCDF reaffirmed that the facility reflects continued international support for Sierra Leone’s agricultural development priorities, with a strong focus on inclusive, sustainable, and market-driven growth.