Row rect Shape Decorative svg added to bottom Absa and Agri3 partner to unlock sustainable agriculture financing across Africa Absa | Corporate and Investment Banking > Insights and Events > Absa and Agri3 partner to unlock sustainable agriculture financing across Africa SHARE Absa Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) has entered into a US$100 million Master Risk Participation Agreement with Agri3, a global blended finance vehicle established to mobilise US$1 billion of public and private capital towards sustainable agriculture and forest conservation across developing markets. Why sustainable agriculture financing matters for Africa Agriculture is central to Africa's growth story. It supports livelihoods, strengthens food security and drives economic activity across communities, industries and value chains. As the sector faces growing demands to improve productivity while building resilience and protecting natural resources, access to innovative financing solutions has become increasingly important. Mobilising capital through blended finance solutions Through this partnership, Absa is expanding its ability to mobilise private-sector capital into sustainable agriculture across the continent. The agreement enables the bank to support clients, sectors and projects that deliver strong environmental and social outcomes while broadening access to finance across agricultural value chains. Supporting climate-resilient agriculture and food systems By providing partial risk protection, Agri3 enables Absa to support eligible transactions that may otherwise fall outside traditional risk appetite. This creates opportunities to finance initiatives that promote climate-resilient agriculture, strengthen food systems, improve rural livelihoods and support long-term sustainable development. The partnership aligns with Agri3's focus on the three Fs: Forests, Farmers and Food Systems. The programme is designed to support outcomes including climate resilience, biodiversity protection, improved agricultural productivity, food security and stronger local livelihoods across emerging markets. How the Agri3 facility expands financing opportunities Importantly, the agreement does more than provide risk mitigation. It acts as a catalyst for sustainable investment, enabling Absa to scale financing into sectors and projects that generate measurable environmental, social and economic impact. Absa's perspective on the partnership Cheryl Buss, CEO: Absa International, said: “The Agri3 facility allows Absa to mobilise greater private-sector capital into sustainable agriculture, helping clients invest in greener, more resilient food systems while generating meaningful development outcomes across Africa.” Connecting capital to sustainable growth across Africa By combining sector expertise, innovative structuring and pan-African execution capability, Absa continues to connect capital to opportunities that strengthen food systems, support sustainable livelihoods and contribute to Africa's long-term growth and development. Frequently asked questions: Absa Corporate and Investment Banking has entered into a US$100 million Master Risk Participation Agreement with Agri3 to support sustainable agriculture financing across Africa. It is designed to strengthen Absa’s international corridor network and support cross-border trade, investment and capital flows between Africa, the GCC and international markets. What is Agri3? Agri3 is a blended-finance vehicle established to mobilise public and private capital towards sustainable agriculture and forest conservation across developing markets. How does the Agri3 facility support sustainable agriculture? The facility provides partial risk protection that enables Absa to finance eligible agricultural transactions that support climate resilience, food systems and sustainable development. What sectors and outcomes are supported by the partnership? The partnership is designed to support sustainable agriculture, food systems, biodiversity protection, forest conservation, food security and stronger rural livelihoods. Why is private-sector capital important for sustainable agriculture? 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