In West Africa, agriculture is a cornerstone of both the economy and livelihoods. Agrifood systems are critical for food security across the sub-region and hold significant potential to drive job creation, reduce poverty and support broader economic transformation.

Despite its strong potential, the sector continues to face persistent challenges, including limited access to finance, weak infrastructures and vulnerability to climate change. Strategic investments in high-value crops like cocoa, cashew and soya, alongside improvements in processing, logistics and market access, could unlock significant growth. Although intraregional trade remains limited due to transport inefficiencies, rising urban demand and evolving consumer preferences create promising opportunities for local value addition and greater regional integration.

This project assesses the food and agribusiness potential of key agrifood value chains in Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, Senegal and Ghana, exploring investment interest and constraints among major players. It also identifies capacity development needs, such as technologies, skills and human capital, and, in collaboration with the EBRD, outlines opportunities for further engagement with key stakeholders.

The project also examines the policy framework supporting major value chains in the region, in particular the level of protection and its impact on the long-term viability of investments.