Elili – Social Microfinance in Liberia

In Liberia, the agricultural sector accounts for 34% of GDP. It employs 2/3 of the population, and 80% of farmers are women. Yet they face severe obstacles: limited access to land, inputs, advice, training and outlets. What’s more, the only two microfinance institutions operating in Liberia serve farmers very little. Furthermore, extreme weather events have a devastating impact on harvests. Finally, to cover their energy needs, 90% of the population depend on wood, charcoal and palm oil. The rudimentary stoves that use this energy cause dangerous inhalation and disastrous tree-cutting.

Comprehensive support to strengthen and empower you

Entrepreneurs du Monde created the Elili project in 2024 to bring its social microfinance services to producers living near the Wolongozi-Wonegizi forest ecosystem preservation zones in Lofa and Bong County. The mission of this project is to help these producers increase their agricultural yields using agroecological practices, so that they can make a better living from their work, improve food security for all, and no longer need to practice deforestation to expand their farmland.

Expected impact at end 2027

Read the fact sheet

First steps taken:

• Detailed study and prioritization of beneficiaries’ needs
• Meeting with local players and potential partners
• Creation of Elili, a social enterprise under local law
• Recruitment and initial training of a 12-strong team
• Creation of a procedures module
• Opening of Gbarnga and Zorzor branches: July 2024
• First training courses: August 2024
• First loans granted: October 2024

Elili’s partners