ECOWAS launches phase 2 of livestock programme to boost food security and regional trade

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched the second phase of its West Africa Livestock Marketing Support Programme (PACBAO), with renewed efforts to strengthen food security and deepen regional trade.

The launch took place in Accra on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, bringing together government officials, private sector actors, farmers’ organizations, and international partners.

Speaking at the event, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana, Ambassador Mohammad Lawan Gana, described livestock farming and the animal products market as key pillars of food security and regional economic integration.

He noted that while the Sahelian regions serve as the main livestock production zones, coastal nations represent the largest consumer markets, a reality that makes regional collaboration indispensable.

PACBAO was first rolled out in 2018 with financial and technical support from the Swiss Development Cooperation. The first phase, which ran until 2023, focused on modernizing the livestock and red meat trade, promoting quality beef production, and improving business linkages along the value chain.

Despite challenges such as insecurity, poor infrastructure, and cross-border bottlenecks, Phase One contributed to building stronger networks among producers, traders, and processors. It also introduced innovations and practices that stakeholders say improved efficiency and offered lessons for scaling up.

According to ECOWAS data, livestock contributes nearly 44% of agricultural GDP in West Africa, and provides income and livelihoods for more than 80 million people across the Sahel and coastal countries. The sector’s weight in regional food security underscores why the programme is seen as critical.

Ambassador Gana commended partners for their contribution and said the second phase is designed to build on these gains.

“Phase 2 aims to consolidate, amplify, and sustain the achievements of the first phase, and it will run from 2024 to 2028 and engage a wide range of stakeholders across the livestock and meat value chains,” he explained.

He further reassured participants of ECOWAS’ commitment to its broader regional vision.

“On behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, I wish to reassure this gathering that ECOWAS remains fully committed towards the implementation of its regional integration policies and programs, as it transitions on the eve of its 50th Anniversary from ECOWAS of States to ECOWAS of People, and Prosperity for All in realization of Vision 2050,” Ambassador Gana stated.

Ghana’s Minister for Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku, who launched the 2nd Phase in Accra, stressed that phase 2 must build on the achievements— consolidating and sealing up interventions to transform the livestock and meat sector across the region.

“Ghana is proud to have contributed to the successful implementation of Phase 1 of PACBAO. Lessons learned will inform Ghana’s efforts under Phase 2. We see PACBAO as a strategic instrument not only for food and nutrition security, but also for advancing regional trade integration, resilience, and inclusive economic growth.”

The new phase of the programme, covering 2024–2028, is expected to consolidate and expand the gains made so far in building a stronger livestock value chain across West Africa and the Sahel.

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