First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and Mastercard have launched AgroPass, a digital agriculture platform designed to improve smallholder farmers’ access to financing, agricultural inputs, markets and support services across Nigeria.

Developed by Mastercard, AgroPass connects farmers with input suppliers, buyers, lenders, agribusinesses and other participants across the agricultural value chain. The initiative aims to strengthen financial inclusion, improve productivity and help farmers build more commercially sustainable businesses.

Speaking at the launch, FCMB Managing Director Yemisi Edun, represented by Obaro Odeghe, the bank’s Executive Director of Wholesale Banking, said supporting farmers requires more than providing credit. It also involves connecting them to markets, technology, knowledge and business opportunities.

Agriculture contributes more than 20% of Nigeria’s gross domestic product and supports a substantial share of the country’s workforce. However, many smallholder farmers continue to face difficulties accessing affordable finance, quality inputs, reliable markets and technical assistance.

Value-Chain Financing for Agriculture

FCMB said its approach focuses on financing the wider agricultural ecosystem rather than supporting farmers in isolation. The model extends to input suppliers, seed companies, farmers, processors, distributors and exporters.

Kudzai Gumunyu, FCMB’s Divisional Head of Agribusiness and Non-Oil Exports, said the bank’s strategy aims to increase agricultural productivity, boost exports and create sustainable economic opportunities in rural communities.

By connecting participants across the value chain, AgroPass is intended to improve access to services and strengthen relationships between producers, suppliers and buyers.

The platform is also expected to improve the visibility and transparency of agricultural transactions, helping farmers manage their businesses more effectively and identify new market opportunities.

Digital Connections for Smallholder Farmers

Tara Nathan, Mastercard’s Executive Vice President for Growth Segments, said smallholder farmers play a central role in Africa’s food systems and rural economies but often remain disconnected from services that could support their growth.

She said AgroPass is designed to bridge these gaps by linking farmers with financial services, agricultural suppliers, buyers and digital tools that can improve productivity and resilience.

The partnership reflects a broader effort to use digital technology to strengthen agricultural value chains and expand financial inclusion. Better connections between farmers and service providers could help reduce barriers to accessing essential inputs, financing and commercial markets.

For Nigerian farmers and agribusinesses, the platform could provide a more integrated way to access services and participate in the formal agricultural economy. Its impact will depend on farmer adoption, the availability of suitable financing and the strength of the partnerships supporting the platform.

FCMB and Mastercard said the initiative forms part of their wider commitment to supporting food security, sustainable rural development and financial inclusion through technology and collaboration.