Safaricom Ethiopia, in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Lersha, and Hibret Bank, is spearheading a transformative initiative to empower farmers in South Sidama. This partnership, under the Wheat Value Chain Financing Pilot Project, leverages digital technology to address financial barriers while enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.
Through this program, 224 farmers in Teticha Woreda are already benefiting from innovative financing solutions facilitated by Safaricom’s M-PESA mobile money platform. By delivering loans directly to farmers’ mobile wallets, the initiative ensures seamless, secure, and transparent transactions, reducing the traditional hurdles of agricultural financing.
Looking ahead, the project envisions scaling its impact to reach 10,000 farmers, establishing a replicable model that could redefine agricultural financing across Ethiopia. By integrating digital lending with tailored agricultural support systems, the initiative equips farmers with the tools and resources necessary to maximize yields, mitigate risks, and adopt sustainable practices.
Aligned with Ethiopia’s Digital Strategy 2025, this program exemplifies how technology can drive growth in key sectors, particularly agriculture. The broader aim is to foster financial inclusion, empower smallholder farmers, and strengthen Ethiopia’s economic foundation.
The partnership also underscores the critical importance of public-private collaboration in tackling systemic challenges and unlocking the potential of Ethiopia’s vast agricultural landscape. By introducing innovative financial products tailored to smallholder farmers’ needs, the project not only uplifts individual livelihoods but also contributes to a more inclusive financial ecosystem.
With agriculture at the heart of Ethiopia’s economy, this initiative sets the stage for a future where technology and innovation can drive sustained growth and development, reaffirming the transformative power of agritech in reshaping rural economies.