IFC and Banque Nationale de Développement Agricole Partner to Support SMEs in Mali

Bamako, Mali, October 30, 2025 - IFC today announced a partnership with Banque Nationale de Développement Agricole (BNDA) to support small businesses and boost job creation in Mali's agricultural sector, which accounts for almost a third of the country's GDP and supports nearly 80 percent of the population.

IFC's $40 million senior loan will help BNDA double its lending portfolio for micro, small-, and medium- sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Mali to over $270 million within the next five years, with a focus on smallholder farmers, cooperatives, and climate smart businesses. At least 25 percent of the financing will be dedicated to businesses owned or led by women, while 10 per cent will support projects in climate-smart agriculture, renewable energy and sustainable irrigation.

The funding announced today is expected to generate between 8,600 to 14,200 direct and indirect jobs over the next five years and increase BNDA's green finance portfolio by nearly 90 percent. IFC's loan is also accompanied by a $10 million international trade financing facility to support the import and export of essential goods.

Aliou Maiga, IFC's Regional Industry Director for Financial Institutions Group (FIG) in Africa, said, "Helping close Mali's agricultural and SME financing gaps are key to boosting the economy and the agricultural sector, which are the lifeblood's of Mali's economy. This investment highlights our dedication to supporting critical institutions that drive resilience and inclusive growth for underserved segments and rural communities. We are working with BNDA to grow access to finance, resilience, create jobs and develop green finance solutions."

"BNDA's mission has always been to support rural communities and those who drive Mali's agricultural economy. This partnership with IFC will enable us to increase our support for farmers, SMEs and women entrepreneurs across the country. It will also allow us to integrate digital and sustainable solutions more fully, thereby expanding access to finance, boosting productivity, and strengthening national food security," said Badara Aliou Coulibaly, BNDA's Managing Director.

In addition to financing, IFC would provide advisory services to strengthen BNDA's agricultural lending strategy and institutional capacity. This support would focus on enhancing risk management practices and embedding green finance and gender inclusion into BNDA's business model. It would also support the development of tailored tools, including credit scoring systems.

IFC's investment in BNDA will expand lending to an underserved sector that is critical for food security and job creation. This initiative also strengthens Mali's agricultural finance ecosystem, building upon BNDA's foundational role in the agriculture sector to drive sustainable and climate-resilient economic growth.

IFC is increasing its support to key sectors in Mali, including agribusiness, renewable energy, digital connectivity, and access to finance. IFC's portfolio in Mali currently stands at about $365.6 million and is complemented by a robust pipeline of projects centered on climate resilience, job creation, and regional integration.

Through these investments, IFC is helping to unlock new opportunities for entrepreneurs, strengthen value chains, and advance the World Bank Group's shared vision of a more resilient and inclusive Sahel region.