Lomé: The twelfth Strategic Orientation Committee of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food (RAAF) convened in Lomé, Togo, to evaluate the 2024 activity report and financial execution for the 2024 fiscal year. This meeting marks an ongoing effort since the agency’s inception in 2013 to provide strategic direction and accountability in the implementation of the ECOWAS Agricultural Policy.

According to African Press Organization, the committee is a crucial platform for RAAF to present its 2024 activity report and 2025 budget, along with the financial report for the 2024 financial year. The evaluation aims to ensure transparency and facilitate experience sharing among members regarding the Regional Agricultural Policy (ECOWAP). The discussions emphasized the need for effective strategies to overcome the current challenges.

The 2024 financial year faced significant hurdles, particularly due to security issues in the Sahel region, which have hindered acces
s to project areas. Additionally, the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from ECOWAS poses a challenge to project implementation. Mrs. Massandjé Touré-Litsé, ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, noted that while alternatives involving the participation of these countries are explored, more comprehensive solutions are necessary. She assured that regional authorities are committed to addressing these issues to ensure the smooth execution of agricultural projects and programs.