By: Saidu Jalloh
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has signed two strategic cooperation agreements with the International Fertilizer Development Centre (IFDC) and the Mano River Union (MRU) to strengthen regional integration, improve food security, promote agricultural transformation and enhance peacebuilding efforts across West Africa.
The agreements were signed on the sidelines of the 2026 ECOWAS Mid-Year Statutory Meetings held in Freetown, Sierra Leone, highlighting the regional bloc’s commitment to building stronger partnerships that support sustainable development, economic growth and stability among member states.
According to the ECOWAS Commission, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the International Fertilizer Development Centre provides a framework for collaboration in promoting sustainable soil fertility management, improving fertilizer systems and advancing climate-smart agricultural practices across the region.
The partnership will also support the implementation of the Lomé Declaration and the Nairobi Declaration on Fertilizer and Soil Health, which seek to increase agricultural productivity, improve food and nutrition security, and strengthen resilient farming systems in ECOWAS member states.
ECOWAS officials noted that the agreement comes at a critical time when West Africa faces growing challenges, including climate change, declining soil fertility and increasing food insecurity. They emphasized that coordinated regional action and stronger partnerships are essential to achieving sustainable agricultural development.
Meanwhile, the Cooperation Agreement signed between ECOWAS and the Mano River Union is expected to strengthen collaboration in peacebuilding, cross-border governance, economic transformation and the sustainable management of shared natural resources.
The ECOWAS Commission stated that the agreement demonstrates the commitment of both institutions to promoting peace, stability and socio-economic development while deepening integration within the Mano River Basin and the wider West African region.
The partnership is expected to improve coordination on cross-border initiatives, strengthen conflict prevention efforts and support joint development programmes that benefit communities living along shared borders.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, signed both agreements on behalf of the regional body. He reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to working with strategic partners to address common regional challenges through cooperation, dialogue and collective action.
The International Fertilizer Development Centre was represented by its Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Thiam Bayella, while the Mano River Union was represented by its Secretary-General, Ambassador Simeon Moribah.
The signing of the two agreements represents another important milestone in ECOWAS’ efforts to strengthen partnerships with regional and international institutions as the bloc advances its agenda of economic integration, sustainable agriculture, peacebuilding and inclusive development across West Africa.