Mali’s BNDA Secures $40 Million IFC Loan to Boost Agricultural Lending

Bamako, Mali - The Banque Nationale de Développement Agricole (BNDA) has secured a $40 million loan from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to expand lending to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the agricultural sector. The agreement, announced on October 30, 2025, aims to strengthen financing for smallholder farmers, cooperatives, and agribusinesses across Mali.

The IFC package also includes an additional $10 million trade finance facility, designed to facilitate the import and export of essential agricultural goods and inputs.

Under the five-year program, BNDA plans to grow its SME loan portfolio to more than $270 million, channeling funds toward women-led businesses and climate-smart agribusiness projects. About 25 percent of the loans will target women-owned enterprises, while 10 percent will be reserved for projects promoting renewable energy, sustainable irrigation, and green agriculture.

According to IFC estimates, the partnership could expand BNDA’s green financing portfolio by 90 percent and create between 8,600 and 14,200 jobs - both direct and indirect - over the next five years.

“This partnership with IFC will enable us to increase our support for farmers, SMEs, and women entrepreneurs across the country,” said Badara Aliou Coulibaly, BNDA’s Managing Director. “It will also allow us to integrate digital and sustainable solutions, expanding access to finance and reinforcing national food security.”

Beyond financial support, the IFC will provide technical assistance to help BNDA strengthen its agricultural lending strategy, risk management systems, and gender inclusion framework. The program will also introduce customized credit scoring tools to improve access to loans for small businesses and cooperatives.

The deal comes as Mali seeks to revitalize an agricultural sector that employs nearly 70 percent of its population but contributes only 38 percent of GDP. Most farms remain small-scale - averaging 4.8 hectares - and face chronic challenges such as limited irrigation, low yields, and underinvestment in modern production systems.

The IFC’s intervention is expected to bolster the sector’s resilience and productivity, aligning with Mali’s broader goal of achieving food security and inclusive economic growth.