IFC eyes $150 million loan to New Hope unit to expand animal feed production across emerging markets

International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is considering a loan of up to $150 million to New Hope Singapore Pte. Ltd., controlled by Chinese billionaire Liu Yonghao, the overseas arm of China’s New Hope Liuhe Co., Ltd., to scale animal feed production across key emerging markets.

The proposed financing will support capital expenditure and working capital needs tied to the development of new feed mill production lines in Bangladesh, Cambodia, Egypt, Nepal, and Vietnam, as part of a broader expansion strategy in high-growth agricultural markets.

Driving agribusiness expansion across North Africa, Asia and beyond

The project, with an estimated total cost of $214 million, underscores IFC’s continued backing of food security and agribusiness supply chains across developing economies. The investment targets increased feed production capacity, a critical input for livestock farming and protein supply in rapidly growing populations.

New Hope Singapore operates 48 facilities across 14 countries outside China, including 39 feed mills as well as broiler breeding farms and hatcheries, positioning it among Southeast Asia’s largest animal feed producers.

Ownership and global footprint

The company is wholly owned by New Hope Liuhe, a flagship unit of the broader New Hope Group controlled by Chinese billionaire Liu Yonghao. The group spans agribusiness, dairy, food processing, real estate, and chemicals, with more than 100,000 employees and over 600 subsidiaries worldwide.

Leadership of the feed business transitioned in 2013 to Liu Chang, Liu Yonghao’s daughter, reflecting a generational shift within one of China’s largest privately owned agribusiness empires.

Strategic financing ahead of board decision

The investment remains subject to approval by IFC’s board, with a decision expected around May 20, 2026. If approved, the loan will be complemented by internal funding from the company to bridge the remaining project cost.

The proposed deal highlights growing investor focus on strengthening agricultural value chains in emerging markets, as demand for protein and food security solutions accelerates across Asia and Africa.