New digital platform aims to expand access to finance for Nigerian farmers

Details: Vaughan O'Grady; Category: Enterprise Ecosystems; 03 November 2026; 224 views

Nigeria’s First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and payment technology giant Mastercard have launched AgroPass, a digital platform designed to expand access to finance, markets and agricultural services for smallholder farmers across Nigeria.

The platform, also known as Community Pass and developed by Mastercard, connects farmers with input suppliers, buyers, lenders, agribusinesses and other participants in the agricultural value chain, aiming to strengthen financial inclusion and improve productivity in one of Nigeria’s most important economic sectors.

The launch combines Mastercard's technology capabilities with FCMB's network and presence in farming communities across the country.

FCMB provided more than ₦364.6 billion (about US$236 million) in financing to Nigeria’s agricultural sector last year and supported more than 196,000 smallholder farmers nationwide, with at least half of the beneficiaries being women and youth.

Mastercard explains that agriculture remains a critical pillar of Nigeria's economy, contributing more than 20% of GDP and supporting a significant share of employment across the country. Despite its importance, many smallholder farmers continue to face barriers, including access to financing, quality inputs, market opportunities and technical support.

To address these gaps, FCMB has adopted a value-chain financing model that extends support across the agricultural ecosystem, including input suppliers, seed companies, farmers, processors, distributors and exporters.

AgroPass builds on Mastercard's broader efforts to strengthen participation across agricultural value chains through technology and collaboration. By creating trusted digital connections between farmers, service providers and buyers, the platform is designed to improve visibility, strengthen access to services and support greater financial inclusion.

Mastercard says the platform is expected to improve the efficiency and transparency of agricultural transactions while helping farmers manage their businesses and access new markets.