• IFC considers €13 million loan to Mali’s Société Diarra Négoce
• Funds to build grain mill, storage, solar plant near Bamako
• Project targets rising wheat demand and improved food processing capacity

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank’s private-sector lending arm for emerging markets, is considering a 13 million euro ($15 million) loan to Société Diarra Négoce (SDN), a Malian company active in agro-industry and logistics.

The financing package includes a direct IFC loan of 6.5 million euros, supplemented by concessional funds mobilized through the International Development Association’s private-sector window. The mechanism is designed to make a high-risk project viable in an environment where long-term financing remains scarce for local companies.

The loan is awaiting board approval. The funds are intended to expand SDN’s grain processing capacity, including the construction of a new milling complex in Banankoro, in the Koulikoro region south of Bamako.

The project includes a wheat flour mill with a capacity of 300 metric tons per day, grain storage facilities with a capacity of 20,000 metric tons, and a 2.3-megawatt solar power plant to power the facility. With demand for wheat-based products rising sharply in Mali, SDN also plans to fortify flour with micronutrients to help combat malnutrition. Bran produced during milling will be used in animal feed, supporting local economic activity and job creation.

Total project cost is estimated at 18.6 million euros, with the remainder provided by the project sponsor.

The IFC will also support SDN in strengthening financial management, food safety practices, and environmental and social standards, while putting in place risk management systems and stakeholder engagement processes.

SDN is active in livestock feed production, cottonseed oil processing, and transport and logistics. The company is now seeking to expand into grain processing to meet rising demand for wheat-based products in Mali.

Agriculture employs 70% of Mali’s population but accounts for only 38% of gross domestic product. Average farm size is 4.8 hectares, and yields remain low due to limited access to water and underinvestment.

SG