To facilitate access to credit for farmers and small rural businesses in Benin, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the country's largest microfinance lender, PEBCO-Bethesda, have just signed an agreement. This 3 million euro loan agreement granted to PEBCO-Bethesda aims to facilitate better access to finance for disadvantaged and low-income communities, with a particular focus on women and young

In a press release published on its site, the financial institution states that this envelope will facilitate access to microfinance for more than 20,000 people operating in various agricultural sectors such as rice, soybeans, pineapples, cassava or maize.

Concretely, this financial support will provide beneficiaries with loans intended, among other things, for the purchase of high-yield seeds and fertilizers. “This loan represents a turning point for our institution and for the communities we serve. With IFAD's support, we will broaden our focus, develop innovative financial solutions, and empower more rural entrepreneurs, especially women and youth, to build sustainable livelihoods and adapt to climate change,” said Cyrille Hounsou, CEO of

This announcement comes as the 2025/2026 agricultural season started on 11 April in Benin. Strengthening access to finance in rural areas should contribute to consolidating the measures implemented by the authorities to support agricultural production during this new season.