Announcements

Vista Bank Sierra Leone has signed a landmark €10 million Youth and Gender Agri-MBIL Finance Agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB), supported by the European Union (EU), to boost access to finance for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), particularly those led by women and young entrepreneurs in the agricultural sector.

Speaking at the official signing ceremony in Freetown, attended by His Excellency the President of Sierra Leone, government ministers, and representatives from the EIB and EU, Vista Bank (SL) Deputy Managing Director, Mr. Harold Creghton-Randall described the agreement as a transformational partnership aimed at unlocking new opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, and rural communities across the country.

“Under the facility, Vista Bank Sierra Leone will channel at least 80% of the funds into SME-led projects, with 30% earmarked for women-led businesses and 50% for youth-led or youth-inclusive enterprises. The financing will target key agricultural value chains such as cocoa, palm oil, cassava, coffee, fisheries, and poultry, to strengthen local production and reduce import dependency” he averred.

He further emphasized that the initiative is not just about providing loans, but about building confidence in local enterprise and supporting inclusive growth. Beyond financing, the Bank will offer advisory services, capacity building, and technical assistance to ensure lasting impact.

The Deputy Managing Director reiterated that the programme aligns with the Government of Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan, which prioritizes private sector empowerment, financial inclusion, and economic diversification.

He expressed gratitude to the Government of Sierra Leone, the EIB, and the EU for their partnership and commitment to sustainable development, reaffirming the Bank’s dedication to deploying the funds transparently and responsibly to strengthen the real economy.

He said Vista Bank Sierra Leone, part of Vista Group and Lilium Holding, reaffirmed its mission to be a driver of inclusive finance, supporting national economic development through SME growth and job creation.

“This agreement marks a proud and historic moment for Sierra Leone,” he conclluded. “It is a call to action to build a more resilient agricultural sector, create decent jobs, and secure a prosperous future for generations to come.”