Kenya has been chosen as one of three African countries that will take part in a pilot program which seeks to provide digital identities, access to high-quality seeds and agricultural inputs to three million smallholder farmers across Africa.
The programme, which has received $300 million (Ksh.39 billion) in funding support from the African Development Bank Group, aims to facilitate access to credit for farmers by extending digital access to 100 million individuals and businesses across Africa over the next 10 years.
Tanzania and Nigeria will also be included in the initial phase of the new Mobilizing Access to the Digital Economy (MADE) Alliance – Africa programme with Uganda, Ethiopia, Ghana and other African countries set to be on-boarded at a later stage.
“Mastercard’s work leading the new MADE Alliance: Africa aims to provide 100 million people greater digital access to critical services,” said Michael Miebach, CEO of Mastercard.
“Across Africa, people are driving new growth and opportunity, and Mastercard wants to support their success. This Alliance builds on the innovations and investments we are already making with partners in 45 countries to enhance Africa’s digital infrastructure and accelerate inclusive growth.”
The Alliance, which is co-chaired by Mastercard and the African Development Bank Group, plans to work with public and private partners to deliver the programme which will focus on supporting the agricultural sector and women.
More than half a dozen organizations including Kenya’s Equity Bank have committed to participate in the initiative.
