Tolbi secures IFC support to improve Senegal maize yields

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has launched a $600,000 advisory services project to support Senegalese AgTech firm Tolbi in improving maize productivity, as part of broader efforts to strengthen food security and agricultural output in the West African nation.

The initiative, approved on March 4, 2026, underscores IFC’s growing focus on deploying technical support alongside capital to drive impact in Africa’s agricultural sector.

Driving agricultural efficiency
The project, which runs through September 2027, will provide advisory support to Tolbi as it works to enhance the productivity of maize farmers across Senegal. The initiative aligns with the government’s ambition to boost domestic production and reduce reliance on imports, particularly as food security remains a pressing concern in the region.

Through the program, IFC will support the deployment of improved farming practices, operational efficiencies, and scalable AgTech solutions designed to increase yields and strengthen value chains. The project sits within IFC’s Financial Institutions Group advisory portfolio, highlighting the institution’s strategy of combining financial expertise with sector-specific interventions.

Strengthening food security
Senegal, like many African economies, faces structural challenges in agricultural productivity, including limited access to financing, technology, and modern inputs. By supporting Tolbi, IFC aims to bridge these gaps, enabling smallholder farmers to improve output while building more resilient food systems.

The advisory engagement is also expected to contribute to job creation and income growth in rural communities, reinforcing agriculture’s role as a key driver of economic development.

Transparency and development focus
The disclosure of the project follows IFC’s Access to Information Policy, aimed at enhancing transparency around its operations. While IFC has confirmed the project’s scope and objectives, it noted that certain data provided by project sponsors has not been independently verified.

As development finance institutions increasingly prioritize advisory-led interventions, IFC’s support for Tolbi highlights a shift toward integrated solutions that combine technical expertise, policy alignment, and private sector engagement to address Africa’s food security challenges.