The World Bank says its AgriConnect initiative is helping smallholder farmers shift from subsistence to surplus production by linking them to finance, technology, and markets.

Announcing the progress at the Bank’s 2025 Annual Meetings, President Ajay Banga said the program aims to “turn small farms into thriving agribusinesses” through digital tools, AI, and stronger farmer cooperatives.

The World Bank plans to double its agribusiness financing to USD 9 billion annually by 2030, while mobilizing another USD 5 billion from partners. The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has also pledged to support 70 million small-scale farmers under the initiative.

AgriConnect focuses on five pillars: improving rural infrastructure, reforming agricultural policies, attracting private investment, deploying digital and climate-resilience tools, and empowering producer organizations.

According to Banga, the goal is clear: “When smallholders prosper, communities thrive and economies grow.”