Agriculture-focused enterprises across Africa are set to gain new momentum following a $10 million investment into the Social Enterprise Fund for Agriculture in Africa (SEFAA). The funding comes from the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund and is administered by Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA), Mauritius, reinforcing a shared vision of driving inclusive growth across the continent.
Managed by Sahel Capital, SEFAA was created to unlock capital for small and medium-sized agribusinesses that are typically underserved by traditional finance institutions. These enterprises are the backbone of rural economies and food systems, yet they often struggle to secure funding despite their strong potential for impact.
Since launching in 2021, the fund has supported 18 companies across seven African countries, processing 33 financing facilities that are already reshaping agricultural value chains. With this fresh capital injection, SEFAA is set to scale its reach, enabling more businesses to access growth financing and expand their operations.
“This commitment from the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund, through MEDA Mauritius, validates the impact we’ve achieved so far and positions us to do even more,” said Mezuo Nwuneli, Managing Partner at Sahel Capital.
The collaboration underscores a collective commitment to inclusive finance. Dorothy Nyambi, President and CEO of MEDA, highlighted the alignment:
“We are proud to partner with SEFAA and Sahel Capital, whose mission resonates with our vision of advancing economic opportunity through inclusive finance. Together, with the backing of the Mastercard Foundation, we aim to catalyze job creation for women and youth while building stronger ecosystems for SMEs and MSMEs to thrive.”
Looking ahead, the investment is expected to accelerate SEFAA’s role in strengthening agricultural value chains, generating jobs, and fostering resilience—with a strong focus on empowering women and youth at the heart of Africa’s growth story.
