The Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund is proud to support the Social Enterprise Fund for Agriculture in Africa (SEFAA), managed by Sahel Capital, as it deepens its efforts to unlock opportunities for smallholder farmers and agri-SMEs across Sub-Saharan Africa.
The Fund is an initiative of the Mastercard Foundation and a consortium of partners led by the Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA).
Through strategic investment support, the Fund is partnering with SEFAA to expand its capacity to finance enterprises that generate meaningful employment for women and youth while strengthening local agricultural ecosystems.
Through this investment, SEFAA aims to create over 2,000 direct jobs for women and youth across 13 African countries, contributing to its broader goal of enabling 10,000 jobs by channeling catalytic capital and business development support to high-potential agri-enterprises often overlooked by traditional financing. In addition, SEFAA is expected to create and sustain over 30,000 indirect jobs through stronger supply chains, higher productivity, and improved market access for small farm businesses. This impact not only drives inclusive growth but also contributes to long-term economic resilience for farming communities and the broader agrifood sector.
“Since the Fund’s inception in 2021, we have partnered with companies that are delivering tangible improvements in the livelihoods of smallholder farmers,” said Mezuo Nwuneli, Managing Partner of Sahel Capital. “Support from the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund, through MEDA Mauritius, will accelerate our efforts to enable high-potential agri-SMEs to thrive and generate lasting impact.”
Dorothy Nyambi, President and CEO of MEDA, added:
“We are proud to partner with SEFAA and Sahel Capital to create dignified employment and sustainable growth for women and youth. This collaboration reflects our shared mission to build resilient agricultural value chains and inclusive economies across the continent.”
The Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund is dedicated to unlocking capital for African SMEs, particularly those led by or creating opportunities for women and youth. By equipping fund managers with tools, resources, and expertise in Gender, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (GDEI) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices, the Fund strengthens local investment ecosystems that generate dignified and fulfilling work for young women and youth, foster inclusive growth, and contribute to sustainable development across Africa.
About Sahel Capital
Sahel Capital is a leading investment firm focused exclusively on the sub-Saharan agribusiness sector. Through its funds, including SEFAA, Sahel Capital provides tailored capital and technical assistance to enterprises that improve productivity, market access, and livelihoods for smallholder farmers.
About SEFAA
Launched in 2021, the Social Enterprise Fund for Agriculture in Africa (SEFAA) provides flexible financing and technical assistance to early-stage and growth-oriented agribusinesses across 13 African countries. SEFAA prioritizes social impact and gender inclusion, targeting enterprises that generate employment and improve the livelihoods of smallholder farmers. SEFAA’s continued success has also been supported by KfW Development Bank, whose early investment was instrumental in establishing the fund and advancing its impact-first mission.
About MEDA
MEDA is an international economic development organization that creates business solutions to poverty. MEDA works with entrepreneurs and small businesses worldwide to provide access to finance, business development services, and market linkages.
About the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund
The Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund is a US$200 million fund-of-funds that catalyzes risk capital through African-owned and African-led Investment Vehicles with a gender-lens investing approach. It supports female-led and gender-diverse IVs to invest in and provide hands-on growth support to SMEs across sub-Saharan Africa.
Aligned with the Foundation’s Young Africa Works strategy, the Fund aims to create 15,000 direct jobs and over 368,000 indirect jobs for women and youth, strengthen local investment ecosystems, and promote Gender, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (GDEI) and ESG principles. By leveraging catalytic capital and business development support, the Fund fosters sustainable growth and helps shape a more inclusive and robust African investment landscape.
For more information, visit africagrowthfund.org or follow @AfricaGrowthFund on social media.
Contact
SEFAA: Mezuo Nwuneli / mnwuneli@sahelcp.com
Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund: Aida Diop / adiop@meda.org
