The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched the West Africa Milk Offensive Support Project (PAOLAO) and signed a financing agreement for the second phase of the Regional Project to Strengthen a Platform of Solutions in Support of Pastoralism and Livestock Farming (PEPISAO II). The event took place at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters and was attended by regional officials, representatives from France, and stakeholders from the agricultural sector.
During the ceremony, ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray highlighted the significance of these initiatives. “The success of these projects depends on robust collaboration and strategic investment,” said Dr. Touray. He added, “By promoting local milk production, enhancing cross-border pastoral systems, and supporting regional value chains, we are delivering tangible benefits to the people and laying the foundations for an ECOWAS of peace, prosperity, and resilience by 2050.”
Dr. Sylla Kalilou, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, introduced both projects at the event. He outlined that PAOLAO aims to double regional milk production by 2030 and increase processing capacity so that between 20% and 25% of local milk is incorporated into products by 2035. The project also seeks to ensure that at least a quarter of collected milk is supplied to regional industries while encouraging investments from both public and private sectors.
French Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS Marc Fonbaustier reaffirmed France’s support through an eighteen million euro grant provided by the French Development Agency (AFD). “The ambition through the grant of eighteen (18) million euros from the French Development Agency (AFD) is to contribute to restoring political stability, peace and security in the region as productive livestock and pastoralism subsectors are instrumental in fostering social cohesion,” said Ambassador Fonbaustier.
Livestock farming plays a vital role in food security across West Africa. It represents one of the largest sources of intra-community trade in local products within ECOWAS member states. These systems help build resilient economies through numerous livestock markets, collection centers, and mini dairies operating throughout the region.
With today’s signing of PEPISAO II’s financing agreement by President Touray and Ambassador Fonbaustier—followed by PAOLAO’s official launch—ECOWAS reinforced its commitment to improving agricultural productivity, strengthening rural livelihoods, supporting women and youth inclusion, mitigating conflict linked to resource scarcity, and promoting social cohesion among member countries.