Moldovan poultry producer secures US$19M financing for modern feed mill, egg production

MOLDOVA – Moldovan poultry producer Axedum is set to diversify into egg production and construct a modern feed mill with the backing of a €9 million (US$9.8 million) financing package, supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and Moldovan bank Maib.

The financing deal, announced this week, sees the EBRD share half the risk on the package provided to Axedum by Maib, under their existing risk-sharing agreement. 

The funding will allow the family-owned company, founded in 1997, to strengthen its market position, expand production, and prepare for exports to the European Union.

The investment marks a significant milestone for Axedum, which has been steadily growing its operations over nearly three decades. The new feed mill will provide a secure supply of high-quality feed while the egg production line introduces a new revenue stream for the company.

In addition to financing, Axedum will receive technical support from the European Union to modernise equipment and adopt sustainable technologies. 

The support comes under the EBRD’s Finance and Technology Transfer Centre for Climate Change (FINTECC), funded through the EU4Climate initiative. 

According to the announcement, these upgrades will improve efficiency by cutting carbon emissions, minimising waste, and optimising resource use.

“This support represents the continuation of a long-term relationship with Axedum, which has resulted in numerous impactful projects provided to the enterprise (under EBRD’s Advice for Small Business Programme), in areas of cost-management, energy efficiency, marketing and client portfolio growth,” the EBRD stated.

Strengthening Moldova’s agribusiness sector

Axedum’s expansion is timely as Moldova positions itself closer to European markets with its EU accession candidate status. The company intends to leverage this opportunity by meeting EU production standards and expanding its exports beyond domestic markets.

Maib, the country’s largest bank with more than 38% market share, has been an EBRD client since 1995. Its partnership with international investors, including the EBRD, Invalda INVL, and Horizon Capital, has helped strengthen financing options for Moldovan enterprises like Axedum.

The EBRD, which has been active in Moldova for three decades, has invested more than €2.6 billion (US$2.83 billion) in 183 projects across the country to date, supporting private sector growth and modernisation.

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