EBRD approves US$153M for first agribusiness investments in Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire
The lender commits its first agribusiness loans in West Africa to boost trade, processing and farmer support in key crop markets.
NIGERIA/COTE D’IVOIRE – The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development has approved its first agribusiness financing in West Africa, committing about US$153 million to support commodity trading and processing in Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire.
The bank confirmed on 17 February that it will provide two loans to companies active in cashew, cocoa, sesame and soybean value chains.
The move marks the lender’s first direct investment in the agri food sector in the sub region. As of July 2025, only Benin, Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire hold beneficiary status with the institution.
Two loans target trade and processing
The first loan totals US$70 million and will go to Robust International, a Singapore based trader and processor of cashew, sesame and other crops. The company will use the funds to strengthen working capital operations in Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire.
It will also support a training program for smallholder farmers focused on organic standards, fair trade rules and better farming methods.
In a separate statement, the bank said it will lend €70 million (US$82.9 million), to Valency International. The company will finance the purchase of cashew, soybeans, cocoa and sesame for processing and export in both countries. It will also receive technical support to improve its climate governance practices.
Odile Renaud Basso, President of the bank, said the investments reflect the importance of agriculture in the two economies. “Our first investments in food and agribusiness in Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire are an important step in supporting two dynamic economies where agriculture supports millions of people. By strengthening value chains and improving agri food trade flows, we can help farmers access larger markets and increase their rural incomes,” she said.
Focus on a key cashew season
The announcement comes as the 2025 to 2026 cashew campaign begins in Côte d’Ivoire. The country ranks as the world’s leading producer of cashew nuts, with annual output of more than one million tons. It has also expanded its local processing capacity in recent years.
Preliminary estimates from the independent trade advisory service N’kalô show that Côte d’Ivoire processed about 600,000 tons of cashew nuts last year. That figure represents around 81 percent of the total volume processed across West Africa.
The bank said the new loans will help build an agribusiness portfolio in the region and could open the door for further financing for companies active in eligible West African countries.
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