Call for Applications: AgriFI – An EU-Funded Impact Investment Initiative for Smallholder Farmers and Agri-SMEs
The Agriculture Financing Initiative (AgriFI) is an impact investment facility funded by the European Union (EU) and managed by EDFI Management Company (EDFI MC).
Its core mission is to unlock sustainable financing for agricultural value chains, particularly in developing countries where access to long-term capital remains limited.
AgriFI places strong emphasis on smallholder inclusion, sustainable rural development, and the growth of agri-business micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) operating in challenging and underserved markets.
What AgriFI Does
AgriFI addresses one of the most persistent constraints in agriculture: the lack of appropriate, long-term financing for farmers and agribusinesses. By blending EU public funds with private sector investment, the initiative supports:
- Sustainable agricultural production
- Improved yields and productivity
- Higher and more stable incomes for smallholder farmers
AgriFI deploys patient capital through a range of flexible instruments, including senior and junior debt, equity, quasi-equity, and other tailored financing solutions designed to match the realities of agricultural business cycles.
Rather than providing standalone grants, AgriFI operates a catalytic blended-finance model, mobilising additional private capital and scaling commercially viable investments that deliver measurable development impact.
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Who AgriFI Supports (Target Beneficiaries)
AgriFI supports a wide range of stakeholders across agricultural value chains, including:
- Smallholder farmers requiring access to inputs, technology, finance, and markets
- Agribusiness MSMEs engaged in processing, aggregation, logistics, and value addition
- Financial institutions and impact investment funds that on-lend to rural and agri-based enterprises
- Innovative agri-tech ventures that improve productivity, efficiency, and market connectivity
The initiative places particular priority on women and youth, promoting inclusive growth and resilience within rural economies.
Geographical Scope & Country Windows
AgriFI operates through targeted regional and country-specific facilities, allowing interventions to be tailored to local agricultural priorities:
- AgriFI Global – €40 million supporting agri-food enterprises across countries on the OECD DAC list
- AgriFI – Ghana Country Window – €10 million focused on northern Ghana, supporting value chains such as rice, groundnut, and vegetables
- AgriFI – Tanzania Country Window – €12 million aligned with key national crops including coffee, tea, and horticulture
- AgriFI – Sri Lanka Country Window – €8 million aimed at boosting productivity, reducing post-harvest losses, and strengthening organic agriculture and cold-chain systems
- AgriFI – ACP Regional Window – €50 million supporting high-impact projects across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, with emphasis on cocoa, coffee, cashew, and other priority value chains
These dedicated windows enable context-specific solutions that respond to regional agricultural needs and market opportunities.
Examples of Investment Impact
Complete Farmer (Ghana): An AgriFI investment of approximately €2.2 million enabled the expansion of agritech services in underserved regions. The funding supported the development of fulfillment hubs, providing thousands of smallholders with access to quality inputs, extension services, and reliable market linkages.
NBS Bank (Malawi): Through the ACP Regional Window, AgriFI’s investment strengthened the bank’s capacity to finance agriculture, particularly within the tea and macadamia value chains, significantly improving credit access for rural enterprises.
These examples highlight how blended finance can deepen financial inclusion and strengthen food systems at scale.
Key Benefits for African MSMEs & Farmers
Access to Tailored Finance
AgriFI bridges financing gaps where commercial lenders are reluctant, offering medium- to long-term funding aligned with agricultural cash-flow cycles.
Inclusive Value Chain Development
Investments promote smallholder integration into formal value chains, improving access to markets, infrastructure, and support services.
Catalytic Capital Mobilisation
By combining EU public funding with private investment, AgriFI crowds in additional capital for frontier and high-impact agricultural sectors.
Sustainable and Resilient Impact
All investments adhere to environmental and social standards, encouraging climate-smart practices and long-term resilience against economic and climate shocks.
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How to Engage with AgriFI (Investment Application Process)
AgriFI does not operate as an open grant programme. Instead, engagement follows an investment-driven approach:
- Visit the AgriFI page on the EDFI Management Company website
- Review the investment eligibility criteria for MSMEs, financial institutions, and impact funds
- Submit an investment enquiry through the designated AgriFI contact channel
- Engage with AgriFI advisors to explore financing solutions tailored to your agribusiness or investment strategy
