The Social Enterprise Fund for Agriculture in Africa (SEFAA), managed by Sahel Capital, has received a significant boost with a $10 million investment from the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund. The fund is administered by Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA), Mauritius, and is aimed at catalyzing inclusive growth across the continent.
This capital injection will enable SEFAA to broaden its impact by financing more agri-SMEs, small and medium-sized agricultural enterprises that are financially sound but often overlooked by traditional lenders. These businesses play a vital role in food systems and rural economies but frequently face barriers to accessing capital.
Since its launch in 2021, SEFAA has already made notable strides, having processed 33 financing facilities for 18 companies operating across seven countries in sub-Saharan Africa. According to Mezuo Nwuneli, Managing Partner at Sahel Capital:
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.
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to inclusive finance and sustainable development. Dorothy Nyambi, President and CEO of MEDA, emphasized the strategic alignment:
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 catalyze job creation for women and youth by financing SMEs and MSMEs, while also helping to build the enabling ecosystems they need to thrive sustainably.
The investment is expected to accelerate SEFAA’s mission of transforming agricultural value chains, promoting job creation, and fostering economic resilience, particularly for women and youth, through targeted support for high-potential enterprises.
