The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has signed new cooperation agreements with the International Fertiliser Development Centre (IFDC) and the Mano River Union (MRU) in Freetown, Sierra Leone, strengthening efforts to advance agricultural development, regional integration and peacebuilding across West Africa.
The agreements were signed on the sidelines of the 2026 ECOWAS Mid-Year Statutory Meetings. ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray signed on behalf of the regional bloc, while IFDC Chief Operating Officer Thiam Bayella and MRU Secretary-General Ambassador Simeon Moribah represented their respective organisations.
The ECOWAS Commission said the Memorandum of Understanding with IFDC creates a framework for closer cooperation on sustainable soil fertility management, stronger fertiliser systems, climate-smart agriculture and improved agricultural productivity throughout the region.
The partnership will also support the implementation of the Lomé and Nairobi Declarations on Fertiliser and Soil Health. ECOWAS said these efforts aim to improve food and nutrition security while strengthening the resilience of agricultural systems in its member states.
Strengthening Agricultural Resilience
Agriculture remains a critical sector for West African economies, employing millions of people and contributing significantly to regional food supplies. However, climate change, land degradation and limited access to agricultural inputs continue to challenge productivity across the region.
ECOWAS said its collaboration with IFDC seeks to address these issues through improved soil health management and more efficient fertiliser use. The initiative is expected to support sustainable farming practices and help countries enhance food production.
Deepening Regional Peace and Cooperation
The Cooperation Agreement with the Mano River Union focuses on expanding institutional collaboration in peacebuilding, cross-border governance, economic transformation and the sustainable management of shared natural resources.
The Mano River Union comprises Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Côte d’Ivoire. The bloc works to promote cooperation and stability among its member countries, many of which share extensive land borders and common development challenges.
ECOWAS said the agreement reflects a shared commitment to regional peace, stability and socio-economic development. It also aims to strengthen integration efforts within the Mano River Basin and the wider West African region.
The new partnerships highlight ECOWAS’s broader strategy of working with specialised regional and international organisations to address development challenges, strengthen resilience and advance long-term stability across West Africa.
