Our network
The Smallholder and Agri-SME Finance and Investment Network (SAFIN) is a global community of over 50 institutions, designed to bridge the silos among the providers, seekers and enablers of agri-SME finance. We share a vision of more inclusive and effective financial ecosystems that meet the financial and non-financial needs of small and medium agri-entrepreneurs – women, men, and youth – empowering them to grow sustainable and resilient businesses. SAFIN offers its members a dynamic space for knowledge sharing, advocacy and co-creation around initiatives with the potential to move more capital towards agricultural SMEs.
Our approach
Our collaborative work has been implemented in two phases: a pilot phase from 2018-2020 and SAFIN 2.0 from 2021-2025. For the period of 2021-2025, our members have agreed to take forward five focus areas:
Convene
Events
We host events around a focused learning agenda, with unmatched opportunities to learn, network and identify opportunities for collaboration.
Events
From shared knowledge to collective action: Annual Plenary Meeting 2023
Events
SAFIN at the Africa Food Systems Forum 2023: Various side sessions and a networking reception
Events
A look at the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of business development services…
Track
Resources and tools
We curate practical tools for our members to learn, connect and collaborate with a community of like-minded peers.
Resources and tools
Thematic Hubs: Curated resources centres for the agri-finance community
Resources and tools
Sector scanner: Timely updates on agri-finance exclusive to SAFIN members
Resources and tools
Network connector: A smart collaboration directory for SAFIN members
Focus
Publications
We document persistent and emerging issues in agri-SME finance, helping our members and the broader agri-finance community focus on topics that matter most for the future of the sector.
Publications
Agritech and Fintech Providers in East and Southern Africa
Publications
Evidence review for agricultural SME finance
Publications
Access to finance for farmers’ organizations: Evidence from a multi-country survey
Influence
Policy dialogue
We advocate for improved access to finance for agricultural SMEs in regional and global policy forums.
Policy dialogue
The road to Africa’s food sovereignty is paved by agricultural enterprises
Policy dialogue
Three takeaways from the UN Food Systems Summit +2 Stocktaking Moment
Policy dialogue
Climate finance for agricultural SMEs: A greater role for the private sector in Southeast Asia
Co-Create
Collaboration
We broker partnerships between unusual allies and support our members to design or deploy financial solutions for agricultural SMEs.
Collaboration
AGRA: Agricultural Finance Policy Accelerator Facility
Collaboration
Palladium: Combining blended finance and geo…
Collaboration
AFD and IFAD: Platform for Green and Inclusive Food…
