From left to right: Mrs. Caroll Bakang AFRACA Head of Multilateral Relations; Mr. Braima Luis SOARES CASSAMA Vice President, Banque Ouest Africaine de Developpement (BOAD); Mr. Thomas Essel, AFRACA Secretary General; Mr Toussaint BADOLO, Head of Department of Agriculture and Agro-industries. The Vice-President and the Secretary General held discussions on potential areas of collaboration between the two organizations. The Secretary General acknowledged the support provided by the Bank to the Secretariat during Dr. Bassary Toure’s tenure as AFRACA Chairman, as well...
From left to right: Mr. Paapa AGBETRA, Head of Corporate Clients SME’s; Stephane Agbeko BATE, Deputy Managing Director; Thomas T. Essel, AFRACA Secretary General; Caroll Bakang, Head of Multilateral Relations; TELOU ESSOSSOLAM, Relationship Manager; Kobin K. WOUEKPO, Director of Risk Management. During the meeting held on 9th December 2024 in Lome, the two organizations discussed best practices in agricultural finance implemented by Orabank in the region, including strategies for risk mitigation with the government acting as a facilitator. They also explored...
Group picture of high-level officials during the Strategic Forum in Kinshasa. From left to right: Dieudonné Fikir Alimasi, Chairperson of AFRACA, and First Deputy Governor, Banque de la Republic du Congo, Mr. Muhindo Nzangi Butondo, Minister for Rural Development of DRC, Mr. Thomas T. Essel, Secretary General-AFRACA & Mr. Jacques Lutaladio Ne Bambi, Representative of the Minister of Agriculture & Director of Cabinet, DRC. Participants during the training on the “Digitalization of Financial Services in Rural and agricultural Finance,” Kinshasa,...
AFRACA Central Bank delegates pose for a group photo during the Central Bank Forum, 5th August 2024, Kampala, Uganda Mr. Richard Byarugaba, Executive Director Finance, Bank of Uganda making opening remarks during the opening session of the Central Bank Forum The 2024 AFRACA Central Bank Forum was held on the 5th through Thursday 8th August 2024 in Kampala, Uganda in collaboration with Bank of Uganda. The Forum convened under the general theme of Agricultural policies and financial inclusion deliberated on matters...
Happy 2025! As we look forward to another new year, I am happy to bring to you our highlights of an amazing 2024 full of new learnings and exciting collaborations. I am delighted to announce that AFRACA concluded its focused impact study with Central bank institutions. The report titled Insights into Central Bank Policies on rural and agricultural finance: The case of AFRACA members is now ready for validation. The report is a huge milestone for AFRACA in efforts to understand the...
Mark your calendars! The 8th World Congress on Rural & Agricultural Finance is coming to Mombasa, Kenya, from October 29th – 31st, 2025, at Sarova Whitesands Hotel. This global gathering, hosted by AFRACA and partners, will bring together financial institutions, policymakers, and development experts from across the world to discuss resilient local agrifood systems and the role of robust financing mechanisms and policies in driving sustainable rural development. Why Attend?Gain insights from global leaders & financial expertsExplore cutting-edge solutions for agricultural financeNetwork...
Are you a female entrepreneur from sub-Saharan Africa operating in the agri-food sector? The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the International Agri-Food Network (IAFN) have launched an Accelerator Mentorship Programme for you. The Programme recognizes the important role SMEs play in job creation and boosting economies by contributing to a country’s GDP. Despite this, challenges exist such as inadequate access to finance. The Accelerator Mentorship Programme aims to capitalize on the potential of women-led SMEs in...
Are you a farmer organization? The International Finance Corporation (IFC) under its Agribusiness Leadership Program is inviting farmer organizations apply for training on how to scale their agribusinesses especially in emerging markets, how to attract finance and managing their enterprieses. The face-to-face program is delivered in the local language and is customized for farmer organizations of varying sizes, crop sectors, and education levels. These organizations can range from small, informal producer groups to large, registered farmer cooperatives. The program will expand...
The African Development Bank (AfDB) under its Youth Entrepreneurship and Innovation Multi Donor Trust Fund (YEI MDTF) is receiving proposals from eligible grant recipients amounting to 5 million USD aimed at providing business development services to youth led MSMEs and startups on the African continent. ELIGIBILITY (Youth) Atleast 51% owned by individuals aged between 15 and 35.Start-ups at ideation stage with proof of concept and the business model should demonstrate to have social impact, inclusive job creation & economic development.Lack the capacity/collateral...
She Loves Tech, the world’s largest startup competition for women in technology is currently receiving applications from women-led African tech startups in different sectors including agriculture. The competition aims to bridge the financial gap for women entrepreneurs and creating a technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation environment that benefits women. Apply today! More information about the competition is available at: https://www.shelovestech.org/ ...
