• ECOWAS reviews 2025 agricultural projects at Lomé meeting

• Around 20 programs assessed to set 2026 priorities

• Food insecurity affects nearly 40 million amid security crises

Regional steering committees overseeing projects and programs under the Economic Community of West African States’ agricultural policy (ECOWAP) began a four-day meeting in Lomé on Monday to assess their activities for 2025. The meeting will also set strategic priorities for 2026.

Participants are reviewing progress, identifying obstacles and drafting recommendations to improve the effectiveness of government and partner-led initiatives in the agricultural sector. They will also examine the causes and consequences of crises in the Sahel, as well as food sovereignty policies, as the region seeks to reduce dependence on external markets.

In total, around 20 projects and programs implemented across ECOWAS member states are under review. These initiatives focus on improving agricultural production and productivity, developing livestock and fisheries, promoting value chains and regional markets, and boosting the competitiveness of agri-food products. They also address resilience, food and nutrition security and sovereignty, as well as financing, governance and sector oversight.

Initial assessments show that major challenges persist, notably security crises and economic shocks that are worsening food insecurity across the region and affecting nearly 40 million people. In response, the ECOWAS Commission said 2026 would see more coordinated regional action.

Togo is expected to highlight its efforts to modernize the agricultural sector, including notable gains in cereal production.

Esaïe Edoh