The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has allocated $2,238,000 to agricultural centers across the region. This initiative is part of a strategy aimed at enhancing youth employment within agricultural value chains. The funds were distributed to ten agricultural research centers and five agroecology and organic production centers, including Songhai Centers. The announcement was made on February 25, 2025, in Porto Novo, Republic of Benin.
Mrs. Massandjé TOURE-LITSE, Commissioner of Economic Affairs and Agriculture for ECOWAS, presented the checks on behalf of Dr. Omar Alieu TOURAY, President of the ECOWAS Commission. This took place during a workshop intended to inform and engage the beneficiary centers about the regional strategy for youth employment in agriculture.
In her remarks, Mrs. TOURE-LITSE emphasized that "this initiative is fully in line with ECOWAS vision of promoting sustainable, inclusive and innovative agricultural development." She noted that training young people equips them with tools to transform agriculture and combat unemployment through self-employment opportunities.
Prof. Godfrey NZAMUJO, Director of the Songhai Centre, praised ECOWAS's efforts: “What we are launching today is far more than a training program... It is an opportunity to redefine development in Africa.” He highlighted the potential for agriculture to drive sustainable development by addressing poverty and ecological issues.
The grant distribution includes $936,000 for SONGHAI Centres; $708,000 for CORAF and ten national agricultural research centers; and $594,000 for agroecological and organic production centers under the Organic and Ecological Agriculture Initiative.
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