Unlocking Guinea’s agriculture development: creating jobs for inclusive growth

In the bustling rural intersection of Tanene, 50 kilometers from Guinea's capital, Conakry, economic opportunity often grows from necessity. At dawn, the village's narrow paths come alive as women run small stalls to support their families, small household farmers head to their rice plots nearby, and transport workers navigate the constant flow of people and goods along the busy roads.

Far from these daily rhythms of survival, Tanene reveals another face: on the horizon stretch verdant plains, bathed in light, where every blade of grass glimmers under the gentle touch of the rising sun.

This is where Bassam Merhi, a local entrepreneur and CEO of BMI Farms, found his unexpected calling. "If someone had told me that I will be investing in agriculture, I would have said, you're crazy," he confessed, laughing and gazing over rows of fruit trees nourished by a modern irrigation system.

Five years ago, Bassam's initial plan was to invest in a beer factory. But after approaching the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank Group's private sector arm, for financing, he learned that his project would qualify only if linked to agriculture. This requirement prompted him to shift his focus from brewing to agriculture, ultimately leading to a full commitment to farming and broader community development.

Overcoming Early Challenges

"The journey was not easy. We lost two years trying to find the right solution," Bassam recalls. "Early crops failed due to irrigation challenges and recurring water shortages". Like many smallholder farmers, Bassam faced unpredictable weather, limited infrastructure, and poor market access.

IFC's Local Champions Initiative has identified BMI Farms as a high-potential local business and equipped it with tailored advisory to become investment-ready and access market opportunities. It was then connected to the Guinea Commercial Agriculture Development Project (PDACG) financed by the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank Group's institution supporting poor countries, which provided crucial technical assistance, expert advice on fruit selection, soil management, irrigation design, and processing equipment

From idea to impact : over 1,000 hectares cultivated providing jobs to about 300 people in 27 villages

What began as a beer factory idea has turned into a thriving and impactful agribusiness, cultivating more than 1,000 hectares, and using advanced precision agriculture techniques.

Two dams were constructed, and circular pivot irrigation technology were developed to ensure efficient water use and enable year-round cultivation. With stable yields, BMI Farms expanded its operations by establishing a processing plant for juice concentrates and soft drinks, adding value to local produce while reducing waste.

Today, BMI Farms employs nearly 300 people from 27 villages around Tanene, offering skills and livelihoods. "I feel really proud working here," says Lucie Maomie who got her first job at BMI Farms as administrative assistant after completing her university studies. "I'm learning new things that are helping to build my career."

Beyond providing employment opportunities for the young people in the villages, BMI Farms drilled over 60 boreholes providing clean water and extended electricity to schools and surrounding communities.

Seeing Guinea's immense agriculture potential, he envisions BMI Farms playing a central role in the country's agricultural transformation. "Guinea is rich in land, water, and talent. Our goal is to help solve food insecurity, create jobs, and empower young farmers by expanding crop varieties and building stronger links with local suppliers and regional markets."

Mobilizing private capital to grow agribusiness jobs

Bassam's experience illustrates how IDA and IFC's joint initiative support commercial agriculture and brings smallholder farmers into value chains using a matching-grant funding program.

In Guinea, IFC reviewed 20 agribusinesses for potential investment, while IDA provided $6.5 million in grants to support their business plans and attracted $36 million in additional private capital.

Through matching grants and market infrastructure support, over 14,800 jobs-including 5,000 for women-have been created along agricultural value chains. More than 49,500 farmers and rural households have gained new commercial opportunities, and 493 private promoters of various sizes have received support.

IFC's advisory services and IDA's support for the third Guinea Investment Forum 2024 enabled agribusinesses to secure $14.1 million in local funding. According to Oliano Diana Kouyate, Director General of APIP, "With this support, we have advanced substantially on three crucial projects focusing on cassava processing, food production, and tarpaulin manufacturing, from concept to fully funded investment-ready businesses,"

The WBG has enhanced public institutions like APIP and AGUIPEX by updating digital tools and strengthening reform monitoring, making it easier for entrepreneurs to grow agribusinesses. According to Amadou Daff Balde, Director of AGUIPEX, Guinea's fonio exports increased from 57 tons in 2020 to 600 tons in 2024, aided by the first international fonio forum and the creation of a regional network.

Through ongoing investment and collaboration, Guinea is making consistent progress in modernizing its agricultural sector, encouraging inclusive growth and generating new jobs. As one of the top 23 nations involved in the Agri Connect Compacts, and backed by the ambitious agricultural goals of the Simandou 2040 program, Guinea is well-positioned to fast-track agricultural transformation and enhance value addition in the sector.