Kampala, Uganda – August 12, 2025,

 

FINCA Malawi Limited, a leading Microfinance in Malawi, is participating in Opportunity International’s 2025 Global Agriculture Finance Conference, a convening of global financial institutions, social impact investors, bilateral donors, and researchers to explore new solutions to close the agricultural financing gap and unlock the potential of the smallholder farmer.

The conference brings together 26 leading financial institutions and key stakeholders from Sub Saharan Africa that are investing in smallholder farming families in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including:

• Bank of Uganda Governor Dr Michael Atingi-Ego
• Opportunity International CEO Atul Tandon
• Oikocredit Global Head of Agriculture Investments Anshul Jindal
• Charles Anderson Bello

The event is the official kick off for the Agriculture Finance Community of Practice, which will serve as a space for the continent-wide network of financial service providers to engage with and learn from each other, access insights and resources on a wide range of relevant topics,

Collectively, attending organizations have lent over $500 million USD in agricultural loans, demonstrating a strong commitment to driving sustainable growth in the sector.

“At FINCA Malawi, we believe agriculture is more than a livelihood. It is the heartbeat of our economy and the foundation of food security. Through our partnership with Opportunity International, we are empowering smallholder farmers with the financing and training they need to increase productivity, adapt to climate challenges, and build resilient futures. Together, we are cultivating not just crops, but sustainable prosperity for Malawi’s farming communities.”  Charles Bello, FINCA Malawi.

The event focuses on investing in last mile financial solutions, particularly aimed at support for smallholder farmers. Smallholder farmers, typically operating farms of five acres or less, are crucial to global food security, producing up to 80% of the food supply in low- and middle-income nations, and approximately 30% of the entire world’s food supply.

Yet, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, smallholder farmers are the most likely population on earth to be experiencing extreme poverty and hunger. With a global funding gap for small-scale farming exceeding $170 billion annually—including $26 billion for African smallholder farmers—expanding financial inclusion is essential to the fight against both poverty and hunger.

Atul Tandon, CEO of Opportunity International, emphasized the urgency:

“Smallholder farmers are the backbone of our food supplies, making it a global imperative to ensure they can grow more and earn more,” said Atul Tandon, CEO of Opportunity International. “Together, with our financial and implementing partners, we are developing the next innovations to strengthen food security and combat extreme poverty.”

With three days of intensive discussion, learning, and collaboration, the event will explore the most pressing issues facing smallholder farmers, agricultural SMEs, and the financial institutions that serve them. Key topics include:

• Regenerative agriculture
• Adaptation and resilience financing for a changing environment
• Microinsurance solutions for smallholder farmers
• Blended capital and other innovative finance solutions for the last mile

During interactive breakout sessions, participants will collaborate in open forums with peers and share best practices, generating innovative solutions that could exponentially expand the impact of agricultural financing for the farmers who need it most.

 

 

ABOUT FINCA MALAWI LIMITED

FINCA Malawi is a subsidiary of FINCA Microfinance Coöperatief U.A, owned by FINCA Microfinance Holding Company LLC (FMH). Since 1999, over 100,000 customers have been supported by FINCA Malawi with innovative financial solutions to help build a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities since its establishment. In 2016, we became the first microfinance institution in Malawi to accept deposits. Today, we offer individual loans, savings, and insurance products designed to fit each customer and their evolving needs.

With 23 branches, banking agents, and mobile channels, we make it convenient for customers across Malawi to access responsible banking services anytime and anywhere. FINCA Malawi works with many investors and partners to maximize its ability to bring financial inclusion to more people. These partnerships also help FINCA build the necessary infrastructure to improve customer experience through technology while maintaining the warm and trusting customer relationships that are a hallmark of the FINCA brand. Please follow us on: finca.mw, Facebook FINCA ,LinkedIn FINCA.

ABOUT OPPORTUNITY INTERNATIONAL

Opportunity International is a global nonprofit that has been equipping people to build sustainable livelihoods and educate their children for 54 years. Opportunity provides 21 million families with innovative financial resources, training, and support to grow their small businesses and send their children to school. According to Opportunity International’s 2024 Impact Report, their Agriculture Finance interventions have led to remarkable outcomes, including the creation or sustenance of over 2.1 million jobs in 2024. Discover more at opportunity.org or join the conversation on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram,