Sierra Leone’s Agri-MSMEs Drive Rural Growth Through Finance Access
Jayah Koker Agricultural micro, small, and medium enterprises (Agri-MSMEs) are emerging as engines of rural economic growth in Sierra Leone, thanks to improved access to finance that is enabling expansion, job creation, and stronger market participation.
The Salone Access to Finance Project, supported by the European Union and implemented by Safe Capital Microfinance and Vista Bank under the guidance of the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, is helping local agribusinesses scale operations across key value chains.
Six enterprises Lanaya Cocoa Farmers Cooperative, Liloma Agricultural Cooperative, Evergreen Agribusiness, Sinavah Agricultural Development Organisation, Mozanga Limited, and We Yone Cocoa Farmers’ Cooperative have reported significant gains in productivity and employment. From cocoa and rice to cassava and vegetables, these businesses are not only expanding production but also strengthening food systems and rural livelihoods.
Community leaders highlight the ripple effects: more jobs for youth, stronger cooperatives, and increased resilience against market shocks. “Access to finance is not just about loans; it’s about giving farmers and entrepreneurs the tools to transform their communities,” one cooperative leader noted.
Observers say the initiative demonstrates how targeted financial support can accelerate Sierra Leone’s agricultural transformation, positioning Agri-MSMEs as central to inclusive growth and food security.
