ECOWAS Delegation Interfaces with Agriculture Ministry on Regional Food Security.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) and a visiting delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) held talks centered on forging a collective path toward sustainable agricultural transformation across the West African sub-region.

Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, reaffirmed the Government's commitment to agricultural sector transformation. He positioned agriculture as indispensable to national development, highlighting the need for robust regional collaboration under the ECOWAS framework.

"Agriculture represents a multi-million-dollar opportunity within West African markets," Dr. Kpaka asserted. He outlined Sierra Leone's strategic vision: building a solid agricultural foundation through strengthened public-private partnerships, expanding trade, and creating sustainable employment opportunities.

Minister Kpaka highlighted President Dr. Julius Maada Bio's commitment to agricultural transformation as a critical pillar of economic growth. This includes expanding credit facilities for agribusiness and prioritizing job creation for youth and women across the sector.

Dr. Kpaka presented evidence of national progress, revealing that Sierra Leone has achieved an impressive 72% food sufficiency rate. Key accomplishments include consistent annual growth in rice production and significant reductions in imports of onions and poultry products, particularly eggs.

ECOWAS Delegation Team-lead, Commissioner Sylla Kalilou, expressed appreciation for Sierra Leone's developmental trajectory. He clarified the delegation's mission: reiterating ECOWAS's steadfast commitment to advancing agriculture as a strategic sector for economic growth and job creation across member states.

Commissioner Kalilou specifically applauded Sierra Leone's 72% food sufficiency achievement. He underscored agriculture's dual role in achieving food security and promoting human security while driving sustainable economic growth.

The Commissioner outlined ongoing collaborative efforts between ECOWAS leadership and participating countries. These include comprehensive agricultural performance assessments, implementation of key sectoral reforms, development of innovative solutions, private sector strengthening, and regional investment initiatives.

"These collective efforts aim to improve competitiveness and expand access to both regional and international markets," Commissioner Kalilou explained.

Delivering welcome remarks, Senior Permanent Secretary Mrs. Nancy Tengbeh expressed gratitude for the ECOWAS team's engagement. She stressed the significance of Sierra Leone's 72% food sufficiency achievement, describing it as vitally important to the Ministry's flagship 'Feed Salone' initiative and the broader Government of Sierra Leone's development agenda.

Correspondent-Musa Kamara

Email: Kaymuzay222@gmail.com

Tel: +232 78 155260

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