ECOWAS Seals Landmark IFDC, Mano River Union Pacts to Boost Food Security, Peace and Regional Integration By Raymond Enoch
ECOWAS Seals Landmark IFDC, Mano River Union Pacts to Boost Food Security, Peace and Regional Integration
By Raymond Enoch
In a major step towards accelerating regional integration and sustainable development across West Africa, the ECOWAS Commission has signed two strategic cooperation agreements with the International Fertilizer Development Centre (IFDC) and the Mano River Union (MRU), strengthening partnerships aimed at enhancing food security, agricultural transformation, peacebuilding and cross-border cooperation.
The agreements were signed on Friday on the sidelines of the 2026 ECOWAS Mid-Year Statutory Meetings in Freetown, underscoring the regional bloc’s determination to deepen collaboration with key institutions in addressing some of West Africa’s most pressing development and security challenges.
Under the Memorandum of Understanding with IFDC, ECOWAS will work closely with the international organisation to improve sustainable soil fertility management, strengthen fertilizer systems, promote climate-smart agriculture and increase agricultural productivity across Member States. The partnership will also advance the implementation of the Lomé and Nairobi Declarations on Fertilizer and Soil Health, with the goal of improving food and nutrition security while building more resilient agricultural systems across the region.
In a parallel move, the Commission entered into a Cooperation Agreement with the Mano River Union, creating a stronger framework for institutional collaboration in peacebuilding, cross-border governance, economic transformation and the sustainable management of shared natural resources.
The agreement reflects the shared commitment of both organisations to fostering peace, stability and inclusive socio-economic development while reinforcing regional integration within the Mano River Basin and the wider ECOWAS Community.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to forging strategic partnerships that deliver tangible benefits to citizens and strengthen regional cooperation in critical sectors.
The agreements were signed on behalf of ECOWAS by Dr. Touray, while Mr. Thiam Bayella, Chief Operating Officer, signed for IFDC, and Ambassador Simeon Moribah, Secretary-General of the Mano River Union, signed on behalf of the MRU.
Observers say the twin agreements represent another significant milestone in ECOWAS’ drive to translate regional commitments into practical actions that promote agricultural resilience, economic growth, peace and sustainable development across West Africa.
The partnerships are expected to complement ECOWAS Vision 2050 by fostering stronger institutional collaboration and mobilising expertise to tackle food insecurity, environmental challenges and cross-border governance issues affecting the region.
