Cameroon Firms Secure CFA14 Billion for Deforestation-Free Agriculture

Cameroon’s agricultural SMEs, large cooperatives and other agribusinesses will gain access to nearly CFA14 billion in support designed to improve their ability to secure financing. The Central African Forest Initiative (CAFI) will fund a new IDH program that aims to prepare agricultural businesses for investment and attract private capital to deforestation-free value chains. IDH, an organization that specializes in agricultural value-chain development, announced the launch of its “Investment & Payment for Environmental Services Hub” in Cameroon on September 15, 2026. CAFI will provide $24.57 million for the initiative, equivalent to nearly CFA14 billion. IDH also aims to mobilize another $29 million, or about CFA16.5 billion, from private, climate and environmental-services financing sources by 2030. The program targets companies that struggle to access conventional financing, particularly SMEs, large cooperatives and agricultural businesses. It does not provide a guarantee that would reimburse banks if borrowers default. Instead, IDH will intervene before companies approach financiers. It will provide technical assistance, help businesses prepare for investment, offer repayable catalytic capital and ...