Under the AgriFI programme, funded by the European Union and managed by EDFI Management Company (EDFI MC), COLEAD provides advisory and technical assistance services to the companies supported by the programme. Two years into this collaboration, a first cycle of assignments has been completed and a new wave of projects is confirmed.
AgriFI, a financial lever for agriculture
EDFI MC is an impact-driven financial service provider, born from the collaboration between the European Development Finance Institutions (EDFIs) and the European Commission. The AgriFI programme, with a budget of €4 million over four years (since 2024), responds to the lack of financing mechanisms adapted to smallholders, vulnerable groups, women, youth, farmers and entrepreneurs. It targets SMEs, financial institutions and impact funds, with investments ranging from €0.5 to €5 million in countries on the OECD DAC list. The technical assistance provided by COLEAD supports these companies in strengthening their capacities and securing investments.
Three assignments successfully completed
Between late 2024 and early 2026, three assignments were signed and carried through to completion: in Ghana, a diagnosis of Complete Farmer's outgrowers scheme and training system; in Togo, support to Cajou Espoir SA on honey production and market access; and in Burkina Faso, an assignment with Agroserv on food safety and the corn supply chain.
A new wave of confirmed projects
Three new projects are starting in 2026: in Uganda, support to INUA Capital (impact investment fund) on environmental and social (E&S) reporting and capacity building; in Tanzania, assistance to a company in the food distribution and logistics sector towards QMS ISO 9001:2015 certification; and in Kenya, a technical and operational assessment of an Agritech company serving smallholder farmers. These assignments confirm COLEAD's role as AgriFI's technical assistance partner, serving growing agrifood businesses across the African continent.
About EDFI Management Company: EDFI Management Company (EDFI MC) is a multilaterally owned impact asset manager that delivers innovative development finance solutions. The company enables European DFIs, development banks, and private sector investors to increase the scale and impact of their work, focusing on business models, technologies, and geographies where other investors have not been able to operate at the desired scale.
About Cajou Espoir: Cajou Espoir is Togo’s leading processor of raw cashew nuts, playing a crucial role in the country’s cashew value chain. With a focus on sustainable practices, the company is organic / fairtrade certified and is committed to supporting local communities and enhancing livelihoods.
About COLEAD: COLEAD is a leading provider of technical assistance in sustainable agriculture, working with organizations worldwide to implement innovative and effective solutions for improved agricultural practices and rural development.