ECOWAS Secures €18 M Grant from AFD to Boost Agriculture & Pastoral Projects

ECOWAS wins key €18 M grant to fund vital agri-projects 

The ECOWAS Commission has secured an €18 million grant from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) to support two major regional initiatives — strengthening dairy value chains and improving livestock systems across West Africa. 

The funding was announced during a launch ceremony attended by ECOWAS leadership, the AFD Country Director in Nigeria, and the French Ambassador to ECOWAS. 

What the funding will support: dairy & pastoral project

The grant will be split between two flagship projects:

West Africa Milk Offensive Support Project (PAOLAO): Receives €11 million to boost local milk production and processing. The aim is to double regional milk output by 2030 and raise the share of locally processed milk in consumption by 2035 — boosting nutrition, reducing dependency on imported dairy, and creating jobs, especially for youth. 

PEPISAO II (Platform for Solutions in Support of Pastoralism and Livestock Farming): With €7 million funding, this four-year initiative (2025–2029) seeks to strengthen livestock farming, secure pastoral systems, promote climate resilience and social cohesion, and help prevent conflicts tied to land and pastoral use in West Africa and the Sahel. 

Why this matters — and the bigger picture

Boost to food security & local production: By promoting dairy production and pastoralism, ECOWAS aims to reduce reliance on imported food products, improve food sovereignty, and support local economies. 

Youth employment & economic opportunity: Projects like PAOLAO plan to support numerous collection centres, mini-dairies and related ventures — generating jobs across the region. 

Peace, resilience & sustainable agriculture: Strengthening pastoral systems and securing livestock practices helps stabilize rural livelihoods, reduce competition over resources, and contribute to long-term regional stability. 

Regional integration & development alignment: The funding supports broader goals of regional agricultural policy (e.g. ECOWAP) and aligns with ECOWAS’s ambition for economic integration and sustainable growth across West Africa. 

Challenges & What to Watch

While the grant promises major benefits, success will depend on:

Effective implementation and governance to ensure funds reach intended projects and communities.

Coordination among ECOWAS member states to manage cross-border pastoral mobility, trade, and resource use.

Building infrastructure (collection centres, processing plants, feed supply) and logistics to turn funding into tangible gains.

Engagement of local producers, herders, and youth, with attention to sustainability and social inclusion.

What This Means for West Africans — Particularly Nigeria

For countries like Nigeria and its neighbours:

Consumers could see improved access to locally-produced milk and dairy products.

Smallholder farmers and herders may gain more stable income opportunities through dairy or livestock value chains.

Expanded investment in agriculture and pastoral systems could boost rural economies, reduce import dependence, and strengthen food security.

Final Thought

The €18 million AFD grant marks a significant boost for ECOWAS’s agricultural and pastoral ambitions — but turning funds into long-term gains depends on careful planning, regional cooperation, and grassroots participation. If implemented well, these projects could reshape dairy, livestock, and food security across West Africa.