EIB Launches Global Initiatives to Tackle Hunger and Boost Sustainable Farming
In a further demonstration of its commitment to food security, the EIB announced its participation in the G20 Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, launched under Brazil’s 2024 G20 Presidency.
At the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4) held in Seville, Spain, the European Investment Bank (EIB) unveiled a comprehensive set of new partnerships and financing commitments to combat hunger, promote sustainable agriculture, and support climate resilience globally.
These efforts are part of a growing, multi-stakeholder push to transform global food systems, empower smallholder farmers—particularly women—and strengthen agricultural value chains in vulnerable and climate-affected regions, especially sub-Saharan Africa.
"By leveraging synergies and sharing best practices, we aim to enhance food security and nutrition, empower farmers around the world—particularly women—, support adaptation to climate change, and transform agriculture into a more resilient and sustainable sector," said EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle.
Strategic Partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP)
In a landmark step, the EIB signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Food Programme (WFP) to collaborate on a range of areas, including:
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Climate resilience and food security
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Agricultural infrastructure
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Inclusive financial access for agri-SMEs and smallholder farmers
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Innovative financing tools and blended finance
The EIB also signed a Letter of Understanding with WFP, enabling it to directly finance WFP operations and benefit from the UN agency’s implementation expertise.
First Joint Initiative: Climate-Risk Insurance in Ethiopia
This groundbreaking partnership begins with a climate-risk insurance project in Ethiopia, aimed at protecting small-scale farmers from climate-related shocks. It complements an ongoing €110 million credit line extended by the EIB to the Development Bank of Ethiopia, focused on:
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Expanding rural access to finance
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Strengthening rural financial institutions
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Prioritizing support for female farmers and underserved communities
Rania Dagash-Kamara, WFP Assistant Executive Director for Partnerships and Innovation, said: "This partnership reflects our shared commitment to investing in sustainable solutions that tackle the root causes of hunger, build resilience, and support communities most vulnerable to the impacts of conflict, climate and economic shocks."
Renewed Partnership with the FAO Extended Until 2030
The EIB also extended its MoU with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations—first signed in 2015 and renewed in 2020—through to 2030. This continued collaboration supports sustainable agriculture in fragile and food-insecure contexts, with a particular focus on sub-Saharan Africa.
Under this agreement, the EIB provided €1.4 million in technical assistance to FAO for:
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Feasibility studies and project preparation
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Sector diagnostics
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Evaluating implementation capacities of local promoters
Notably, the FAO-EIB collaboration has already facilitated major programs in Ethiopia and Liberia, with an approved €130 million credit line now supporting agricultural SMEs and smallholders through local financial intermediaries.
FAO’s Vision Aligned with EIB Strategy
Mohamed Manssouri, Director of the FAO Investment Centre, emphasized the alignment of goals: "This partnership directly supports FAO’s vision for Better Production, Better Nutrition, a Better Environment, and a Better Life, leaving no one behind."
Support for the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty
In a further demonstration of its commitment to food security, the EIB announced its participation in the G20 Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, launched under Brazil’s 2024 G20 Presidency. The alliance promotes a multi-layered approach to hunger and poverty reduction by:
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Strengthening social protection systems
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Increasing access to essential services like healthcare, education, and finance
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Promoting climate-resilient smallholder farming
At FfD4, the EIB endorsed two initiatives under the alliance’s Seville Action Platform:
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Better-Integrated Financing for SDGs 1 and 2 (No Poverty and Zero Hunger)
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Scaling Up Finance for Climate-Resilient Agriculture and Social Protection
These initiatives aim to streamline funding flows from multiple donors and accelerate national program implementation, directly responding to on-the-ground needs in fragile food systems.
A Comprehensive Global Food and Agriculture Strategy
The combined impact of these partnerships reflects a growing recognition that food security, climate resilience, and economic inclusion are tightly linked. The EIB’s actions focus on:
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Strengthening agricultural value chains
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Supporting women and youth-led agribusinesses
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Promoting green and digital innovations in agriculture
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Reducing the vulnerability of farming communities to climate shocks and market volatility
By aligning efforts with UN agencies, the G20 alliance, and national governments, the EIB is helping to shape a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient global food system.
Financing a Food-Secure and Climate-Resilient Future
The European Investment Bank’s latest initiatives reinforce its role as a catalyst for sustainable development through strategic financing. From climate-insurance schemes to value chain financing, the EIB is pushing forward bold and innovative approaches to tackle some of the most pressing challenges of our time—hunger, poverty, and climate vulnerability.
Through its deepened partnerships with WFP, FAO, and the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, the EIB is not just investing in projects—it is investing in people, resilience, and a future where no one is left behind.
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