(August 24, 2015)
After an eight-year absence, NCBA CLUSA will again be working in Mali, supporting the International Executive Service Corps (IESC), under the Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance (VEGA) Leader with Associate award, as they implement a five year program to increase the use of USAID’s Development Credit Authority in Mali.
Eighty percent of Mali’s population is involved in agricultural activities, and the agriculture sector has great potential to drive economic growth. Yet Mali’s farmers and entrepreneurs—especially women—struggle to get loans because banks and financial institutions are hesitant to lend.
The new program, funded jointly by USAID/Mali and Swedish Sida, will connect entrepreneurs in Mali to credit that is guaranteed by the Development Credit Authority, targeting agribusinesses all along the value chain and particularly women-owned businesses.
The Financial Technical Assistance Program (FinTAP) will work with both partners in the loan relationship, providing training and technical assistance to financial institutions and prospective borrowers. NCBA CLUSA will provide business development training to farmers and herder groups as an ancillary service to the loan access.
FinTAP’s lead implementer will be the International Executive Service Corps (IESC) with support from NCBA CLUSA and local Malian firm DC Consulting.