Head of Agri-Business at Absa Bank Ghana, William Nettey, says the Bank is adopting innovative strategies to unlock funding for farmers, particularly smallholders who often face difficulties accessing traditional credit facilities.
He explained that conventional financing models have proven insufficient in addressing the unique needs of Ghana’s agricultural sector. In response, Absa Bank has rolled out customized financial products and forged strategic partnerships aimed at making credit more accessible and affordable for farmers nationwide.
“From what we have seen in our books, it is not as risky as it has been made to look. We are not seeing the default that others have mentioned because of the way it is also been done—having a better understanding of the sector and then meeting the needs of the players at the right time,” Mr. Nettey noted.
Speaking on Week 2 of the #CitiBusinessFestival 2025 On-Air Series, under the theme “Financing Your Agri-Business,” he emphasized that despite Ghana’s high interest rate environment, Absa continues to find creative ways to empower farmers, enhance productivity, and contribute to a resilient agricultural value chain.
He further stated, “We also use financial institutions that are closer to them just to make sure that this financing can be targeted at these farmers. The major problem with financing agriculture is the interest rate that they will complain about, and we get into partnership, we look at guarantees that will help us to mitigate the risks and then be able to lend.”
Absa’s approach, he said, is anchored in deep sector insight and a commitment to de-risking agricultural lending through collaboration and innovation—key elements for scaling agribusiness and securing food systems in Ghana.
News Source: Citinewsroom
