VISTA YOUTH & GENDER AGRI VALUE CHAINS MBIL

The operation consists in up to EUR 40m Single Signature Single Risk (SSSR) Multiple Beneficiary Intermediated Loans (MBILs) to Vista Group's banking subsidiaries in Guinea and Sierra Leone. Through the MBILs, Vista Gui in Guinea (EUR 30m) and to Vista Bank (SL) in Sierra Leone (EUR 10m) will have the capacity to on-lend to eligible small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and mid-caps active in agriculture value chains. These businesses will have a positive impact on youth employment, gender equality, and women's economic empowerment.

The aim is to enhance access to finance for agricultural value chain SMEs and mid-caps, while also supporting the European Union's key priorities in both countries. Under this operation, a minimum of 70% of the loan amounts will target agriculture value chains, including key sectors identified by EU Delegations. These include cashew, infant food (and its ingredients), fruit and vegetable processing, and rice value chains across both countries. Additionally, country-specific priorities will be addressed, such as fish and seafood processing, as well as cereals like fonio and rice in Guinea, and cocoa, palm oil, cassava, and coffee in Sierra Leone. Furthermore, at least 30% of the total loan amounts will be directed toward businesses that are owned, run, employ, or primarily serve women, in alignment with the 2X Challenge criteria. A minimum of 50% will be specifically aimed at businesses led or founded by young entrepreneurs or those employing at least 40% young people.

Vista Gui and Vista Bank (SL) shall take all the requisite measures to ensure that the final beneficiaries undertake to implement and operate the financed sub-projects in line with the requirements of the applicable national legislation and the relevant ElB's Environmental and Social Standards as well as international treaties and conventions signed and ratified by or otherwise applicable and binding in their respective countries. By promoting the financial inclusion of agriculture value chain actors and SMEs, the project will deliver significant positive social outcomes. Moreover, support to food value chains under the scheme can contribute to increased self-reliance and therefore reduce vulnerability to external shocks. This operation will also contribute to supporting youth employment and gender equality and women's economic empowerment.

Sub-project investments under this project will be implemented and procured by private sector final beneficiaries (SMEs, Mid-Caps and cooperatives not falling under the meaning of public authority per EIB Guide to Procurement Annex 5 and therefore using a private procurement regime).

Under EFSD+ Guarantee