The Comité permanent inter-Etats de lutte contre la sécheresse dans le Sahel (CILSS) has taken a significant step towards modernizing its Market Information Systems (SIM) with the launch of SIM2G-V2, a new generation of market information platforms. This development aims to enhance food security and market knowledge in West Africa by providing reliable, up-to-date, and harmonized market information. The launch took place on October 2, 2026, in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
SIM2G-V2 is designed to monitor prices and availability in 11 countries, including Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Nigeria, and Gambia. The platform consists of 15 modules and leverages digital tools to improve data collection, processing, management, aggregation, and dissemination. According to Djibrilla Sadou Garba, head of the project, this system will enable stakeholders and decision-makers to access reliable market information, thereby improving market knowledge and decision-making.
The SIM2G-V2 platform aims to address the major challenge of accessing reliable, regular, and comparable market information in the Sahel and West Africa. This challenge is critical for food security, trade facilitation, and decision-making. The CILSS, in collaboration with its member countries and partners, developed the SIM2G platform to provide a reliable and harmonized source of market information.
One of the key features of SIM2G-V2 is its ability to consolidate existing systems, strengthen interconnection with national systems, and enable regional harmonized analysis of market trends. The platform will provide stakeholders with timely and accurate market information, facilitating informed decision-making. According to Issa Tankari, coordinator of the CILSS regional program, the goal is to ensure that market information is collected and disseminated rapidly to users.
The development of SIM2G-V2 is a significant milestone in the CILSS's efforts to enhance food security and market knowledge in West Africa. The platform's launch marks a major step towards achieving this goal, and its impact is expected to be felt across the region. The CILSS plans to expand the platform to cover more countries in the West African and Sahel regions.
SIM2G-V2 has several innovative features, including the ability to function even without internet connectivity. This feature will enable users to access and contribute to the platform even in areas with limited internet access. The platform's development is a testament to the CILSS's commitment to leveraging technology to improve food security and market knowledge in the region.
The launch of SIM2G-V2 is a significant achievement for the CILSS and its partners. The platform is expected to have a positive impact on food security, trade facilitation, and decision-making in West Africa. As the platform continues to evolve, it is likely to become an essential tool for stakeholders and decision-makers in the region.
Key points
- The CILSS has launched SIM2G-V2 to provide reliable market information to stakeholders and decision-makers in 11 West African countries.
- The platform aims to improve food security, trade facilitation, and decision-making by providing timely and accurate market information.
- SIM2G-V2 has several innovative features, including the ability to function without internet connectivity, making it accessible even in areas with limited internet access.
