By Kadijatu Bangura, Reporter, D.S
A delegation from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) visited Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) in Freetown to discuss enhancing regional cooperation in agricultural development. The meeting, held at the Youyi Building, centered on strategies to transform agriculture across West Africa through partnerships, policy coordination, and investment promotion.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, welcomed the ECOWAS representatives and emphasized the government’s “Feed Salone” initiative under President Julius Maada Bio. This program aims to position agriculture as a viable and competitive sector, with an emphasis on empowering youth and women as key drivers of growth.
Dr. Kpaka reported that Sierra Leone has achieved 72% national food self-sufficiency, significantly reducing imports of rice, poultry, eggs, and onions. This shift has allowed the government to reinvest savings into other priority sectors. He highlighted the necessity for stronger regional trade policies, research and innovation, improved input systems, and ongoing resource mobilization, asserting that cooperation with ECOWAS is essential for accelerating agricultural transformation.
ECOWAS Commissioner Sylla Kalilou, speaking on behalf of the delegation, praised Sierra Leone’s advancements in critical value chains and reaffirmed ECOWAS’s commitment to agriculture as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation, and resilience. He also noted regional initiatives in Liberia, The Gambia, and Cameroon aimed at enhancing competitiveness, quality standards, and market access.
The meeting concluded with Senior Permanent Secretary at MAFS, Madam Nancy Tengbeh, summarizing the key action points for the ministry’s leadership to consider moving forward.
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