Maib signs a €15 million financing agreement with EFSE to power the development of sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship in Moldova

Maib has signed a new financing agreement with the European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE) worth EUR 15 million, denominated in Moldovan lei equivalent, to expand access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises and support the transition towards a more sustainable and resilient agricultural sector in the Republic of Moldova.

At a time when agriculture is facing increasing climate-related challenges, rising production costs, and the need to align with European standards, access to longer-term financing has become essential for maintaining the sector’s competitiveness. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Moldova’s economy, supporting employment, exports, and food security. Its modernization is critical to fostering sustainable economic growth and advancing the country’s European integration agenda.

The loan of EUR 15 million equivalent in local currency, with a maturity of three years, will contribute to strengthening the sustainability of the agricultural sector and the larger economy by facilitating investments by farmers and entrepreneurs across the country.

At least 30% of the financing will be allocated to sustainable agricultural projects aimed at improving both the environmental and economic performance of farms. The financing will support investments in digital agriculture, efficient irrigation systems, renewable energy solutions, production and processing upgrades, certification initiatives, and circular economy models. These investments will help increase productivity, reduce environmental impact, and strengthen the long-term resilience of farms and agri-food businesses.

Macar Stoianov, Deputy Chairman of maib:

“Tomorrow’s agriculture will be defined by the ability to produce more with fewer resources, leverage technology intelligently, and build resilient businesses capable of thriving in an increasingly unpredictable environment. Our role is to provide access to the capital needed to enable this transformation. Through our partnership with EFSE, we are contributing to the development of a more competitive, sustainable, and future-ready agricultural sector while also expanding support for small and medium-sized enterprises, which remain a key driver of Moldova’s economic growth. I would like to thank the EFSE team and the EU for their partnership and ongoing support for the economy of the Republic of Moldova”.

Iwona Piórko, the Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova:

„The European Union is working together with financial partners to expand access to finance for Moldovan businesses, support sustainable investments, and strengthen the country’s economic resilience. This new agreement between Maib and EFSE, supported by the European Union, delivers financing in local currency, empowering entrepreneurs, farmers and agri-food businesses to invest and grow without foreign exchange risk, while advancing Moldova’s green and economic transformation in line with EU standards and accession criteria.”

Oxana Bînzaru, Regional Director at Finance in Motion, co-manager of EFSE, said:

“Through this EUR 15 million MDL-denominated financing, EFSE is reinforcing its long-standing partnership with maib, Moldova’s leading bank and a cornerstone of the local economy, to expand access to sustainable financing for MSMEs, particularly agricultural producers. By providing funding in MDL, enabled through the strong support of the European Union, we are giving local entrepreneurs the confidence to invest, grow, and lead the transition towards a more sustainable agriculture, without carrying FX risk. It reflects our joint commitment to turning capital into long-term economic resilience and real, lasting impact on the ground.”

The new agreement further strengthens the long-standing partnership between maib and EFSE, one of the leading development finance institutions supporting sustainable economic growth across Southeast Europe. The collaboration already includes two active subordinated financing facilities and reflects the shared commitment of both institutions to fostering private sector development and supporting Moldova’s economic progress.

Beyond the financing itself, the project includes technical assistance focused on sustainable agriculture, providing farmers and entrepreneurs with access to expertise and best practices that will help them adapt to evolving economic and environmental conditions.

Beyond its financial dimensions, the agreement reflects the confidence of international development finance partners in Moldova’s economy and in the ability of local businesses to generate long-term growth. Investments made today in agricultural modernization and SME development will contribute not only to the success of individual enterprises but also to the overall competitiveness and resilience of the national economy.

Through this financing, maib reaffirms its role as a strategic partner for businesses and its commitment to supporting investments that drive sustainable development, economic growth, and Moldova’s closer alignment with European standards.

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