EFSE launches a new technical assistance initiative with KGF to advance sustainable agriculture finance in Türkiye

Istanbul, 28 April 2026 – The European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE) has launched a cooperation with the Turkish Credit Guarantee Fund (KGF) to support the development of a dedicated sustainable agriculture guarantee program in Türkiye, strengthening access to finance for farmers and agricultural enterprises.

Through this initiative, EFSE will support KGF in designing and operationalizing a pilot guarantee product aligned with EFSE’s Sustainable Agriculture Green List, tailored to the local market. The program seeks to address collateral constraints and encourage lending for climate‑smart, resource‑efficient and environmentally responsible agricultural investments.

The cooperation complements EFSE’s broader sustainable agriculture activities in Türkiye. In parallel, EFSE is expected to provide approximately EUR 100 million in financing to selected partner financial institutions to expand long‑term funding for farmers and agri‑MSMEs in line with the Green List criteria. Together, the financing and guarantee components aim to further mobilize sustainable agriculture finance and strengthen sector resilience.

Implemented over the period 2025–2026, the initiative forms part of EFSE’s long‑term commitment to promoting sustainable and inclusive economic development in Türkiye’s agricultural sector.

Jasminka Begert, Portfolio Manager at EFSE commented: “Guarantee instruments can play a key role in unlocking sustainable agriculture finance by reducing risk and expanding access to funding. EFSE and KGF’s cooperation reflects our shared commitment to provide pragmatic, scalable solutions for the wide‑spread adoption of more resilient, resource‑efficient agricultural practices in Türkiye.”

Hasan Basri Kurt, General Manager of KGF said: “Strengthening access to finance for farmers and agricultural enterprises is a strategic priority for KGF. Through our cooperation with EFSE, we aim to develop an innovative guarantee mechanism that supports sustainable and climate-smart agricultural investments while addressing collateral challenges in the sector. This initiative will help mobilize financing for agri-MSMEs, contribute to the resilience of Türkiye’s agricultural value chains, and support the transition toward more resource-efficient and environmentally responsible practices.” 
 

About EFSE
The European Fund for Southeast Europe (EFSE) is an impact investment fund to drive economic development and prosperity in Southeast Europe and the Caucasus. Through its two sub-funds—the Regional Sub-Fund (RSF) and the Ukraine Sub-Fund (USF)—EFSE provides tailored financial solutions to foster entrepreneurship, strengthen financial inclusion, and support local economies. EFSE was initiated in 2005 by KfW Development Bank with the financial support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Commission. As the first public-private partnership of its kind, EFSE draws its capital from donor agencies, international financial institutions, and private institutional investors. Finance in Motion GmbH, Germany, serves as EFSE’s Portfolio Manager and Hauck & Aufhäuser Fund Services S.A., Luxembourg, acts as manager.  

For more information on the European Fund for Southeast Europe, please visit: www.efse.lu  

 

About Finance in Motion
Finance in Motion structures, manages, and advises almost €4 billion across 10 funds, all classified as SFDR Article 9. These private market funds drive impact for people and planet through regional financial intermediaries, direct investments, advisory and capacity building. Founded in Germany, with local expertise from Latin America to Eastern Europe, it has been investing in emerging markets for over 20 years.  
For more information, please visit: www.finance-in-motion-com     

 

About Credit Guarantee Fund
Established in 1991, the Credit Guarantee Fund (KGF) is a non-profit joint-stock company and the first and largest guarantee institution in Türkiye. It facilitates access to finance for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by sharing credit risk with financial institutions and providing guarantee support. By reducing collateral requirements, KGF enables businesses to obtain financing for investment, growth, and employment. Through its wide network of partner banks and its strong public-private structure, KGF plays a key role in supporting economic development, enhancing financial inclusion, and strengthening the resilience of the real sector in Türkiye.

For more information, please visit: www.kgf.com.tr 
 

Media Contact
Credit Guarantee Fund: 

Pınar Şekercioğlu 
Press and Public Relations Department Manager 
pinarsekercioglu@kgf.com.tr 
+90 530 406 8437