FCMB Invests N364.6bn in Agriculture, Launches AgroPass

First City Monument Bank (FCMB) provided N364.6 billion in financing to Nigeria's agricultural sector in 2025, benefiting more than 196,000 smallholder farmers across the nation. This initiative was announced during the launch of AgroPass, a digital platform developed by Mastercard aimed at connecting farmers with lenders, suppliers, buyers, and agribusinesses.

Nearly half of the farmers supported were women and young people, emphasizing the importance of smallholder financing for financial inclusion and economic opportunities in rural areas. Yemisi Edun, Managing Director of FCMB, represented by Executive Director Obaro Odeghe, stated that supporting farmers involves more than just credit; it requires connecting them with markets and technology.

AgroPass aims to enhance productivity and resilience among farmers by addressing gaps in the agricultural value chain. FCMB's approach includes value-chain financing that supports not only farmers but also input suppliers and other participants in the agricultural ecosystem.

Mastercard's Tara Nathan noted the critical role of smallholder farmers in Africa's food systems and the need for improved connectivity to services.