About
Our Vision and Mission
Financing for Agricultural SMEs in Africa (FASA) is a multi-donor fund-of-funds dedicated to unlocking financing for Africa’s underserved agri-SMEs. By investing in and supporting investment fund managers, FASA channels catalytic capital into businesses that drive sustainable growth in the agricultural sector.
At its core, FASA’s mission is to reduce the funding gap faced by agri-SMEs by mobilizing catalytic capital to attract private and institutional investment into the sector, enhancing the capacity of fund managers to invest in impactful agri-SMEs, and fostering a supportive ecosystem that enables long-term sustainability and resilience.
Through these three interconnected pathways, FASA’s vision is to transform African agriculture by enhancing food security and nutrition, improving livelihoods, and promoting climate-smart value chains.
Why FASA
Three out of four agri-SMEs cannot access bank loans, and are too large for microfinance, creating an estimated $100 billion gap in unmet demand for financing.
FASA aims to help bridge this financing gap, recognizing the vital role that agri-SMEs play in Africa’s food systems, employment, and economic resilience. These businesses are the backbone of agricultural value chains, and their growth is essential for tackling food security, job creation, and climate adaptation :
- Agri-SMEs handle over 60% of all food production and trade on the continent
- They create 70% of formal employment in food systems
- They serve as the primary market channel for Africa’s ~61 million smallholder farmers, with 95% of farmers selling their produce to SME processors, wholesalers, or aggregators.
- They handle ~80% of total food consumption playing a pivotal role in strengthening domestic food production and ensuring food security.
- They are highly vulnerable to climate change, yet lack the resources to invest in adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Team & Partners
FASA is managed by Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P), a pioneer in impact investing with over 20 years of experience supporting African entrepreneurs and fund managers.
Key Partner
CGIAR ImpactSF: Agricultural and climate partner, providing data-driven insights and capacity building.
Funders
FASA was born from the shared ambition of multiple international donors to tackle one of Africa’s most pressing challenges: the $100 billion financing gap faced by agri-SMEs. Recognizing the sector’s vital role in food security, job creation, and climate resilience, FASA was launched with initial contributions from Norway and USAID.
Dedicated team
Wiem Abdeljaouad
Managing Director of FASA
Mamadou NDAO
Investment Director
Hugues Vincent-Genod
Director of Fund-of-Funds activities at I&P
Alexis Thirouin
Financial Director
Thelma Kodowu
Investment Manager
Aïssatou Gaye
Growth and Ecosystems Manager
Lucy Kimeu
Investment Officer
Clémence Bourrin
Communication Director
Governance & Transparency
FASA operates with a robust governance framework designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and alignment with its mission.
A committee composed of external experts who provide guidance and recommendations in respect of investment and divestment opportunities.
FASA Steering Committee
A consultative committee constituted by FASA’s contributors to ensure strategic priorities are met, facilitate networking and engagement of key strategic partners. and provide opinion on any temporary exception or deviation to FASA’s Policy, as well as on situations of conflict of interest.
FASA’s main contributors are gathered in a Committee of Protectors that brings an additional layer of oversight and control to ensure FASA’s objectives are met, with a decision power.
Useful Links
Access detailed information about our policies by clicking on the links below: