ECOWAS ministers convene extraordinary meeting on food security to confront global crisis

Africa, Politics

ABUJA, NIGERIA (NPA) — March 24, 2026 — The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) on Monday held an extraordinary meeting of agriculture ministers to address the impact of the international crisis on food security in West Africa and the Sahel.

In a statement issued March 24, the ECOWAS Commission, through its Department for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, led by Commissioner Kalilou Sylla, confirmed that the meeting was organised in cooperation with the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) and the Permanent Inter-State Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS). 

The online session, held on March 23, focused on the effects of soaring oil prices and global disruptions on the fertiliser sector and regional food systems.

The meeting brought together agriculture ministers, regional agencies, and technical and financial partners. It resulted in proposals for both medium- and long-term operational frameworks aimed at safeguarding food sovereignty and security. 

Key measures include immediate regional framework agreements to secure strategic volumes and build emergency reserves before prices escalate further, as well as the deployment of liquidity swap lines via central banks to ease foreign currency shortages faced by importers.

This extraordinary session underscores ECOWAS’s determination to strengthen resilience against external shocks and ensure sustainable food systems for millions across West Africa and the Sahel.