The Union économique et monétaire ouest-africaine (UEMOA) is set to invest 7,000 billion FCFA over five years in transforming coton, phosphate, and rice. The move aims to increase economic returns from these sectors, which remain a significant challenge for the economies of the West African region. On October 23, 2026, sectoral ministers gathered in Ouagadougou to examine proposed orientations and make commitments to the project.
The meeting, presided over by the Minister of Agriculture, represented by Dr Amadou Dicko, Minister Delegate for Animal Resources, brought together representatives from the eight member states, regional organizations, and stakeholders from the different sectors. The discussions follow expert consultations held from October 20-22, 2026, which refined the orientations submitted to the ministers for consideration. The goal is to develop the sectors and create new opportunities for producers, youth, and the economy.
According to Mamadù Serifo Jaquité, Commissioner for Human Development at the UEMOA Commission, there is a need to better valorize the region's resources. He emphasized that transforming resources locally would provide new outlets for producers, employment prospects for youth, and greater control over the economy's future. Currently, the local transformation of coton-textile is limited, with only 6% of the final product's value added in the region.
The phosphate-engrais sector also faces significant challenges, with average fertilizer consumption in the Union ranging from 20 to 25 kg per hectare, compared to around 120 kg globally. Improving phosphate resource utilization and access to suitable inputs could boost agricultural productivity and contribute to food security. Furthermore, the rice sector is heavily dependent on imports, which account for around 50% of consumption.
To address these challenges, the UEMOA Commission has developed white papers with member states and public and private stakeholders. These documents outline the necessary orientations and actions to develop the three sectors, consistent with the UEMOA's 2040 vision. The success of these programs relies on strong political commitment, with states required to implement necessary reforms, mobilize public investments, and create a favorable environment for the private sector.
The financing of the first program, spanning five years, is estimated at around 7,000 billion FCFA. Implementation will rely on contributions from states, private companies, and technical and financial partners. Dr Amadou Dicko stressed that the meeting marked a commitment to translating agreed orientations into concrete actions, aimed at strengthening production and transformation capacities within the community.
The UEMOA's efforts to transform coton, phosphate, and rice sectors are expected to create new opportunities for economic growth, employment, and wealth creation in the region. The region's economic growth and development are anticipated to benefit from the successful implementation of these programs.
Key points
- UEMOA to invest 7,000 billion FCFA in transforming coton, phosphate, and rice over five years.
- The goal is to increase economic returns from these sectors and create new opportunities for producers, youth, and the economy.
- The success of the programs relies on strong political commitment and contributions from states, private companies, and technical and financial partners.
