From 12 to 14 May 2025 in Saly, Senegal, ECOWAS took part in the 5th Edition of the international conference ‘Milk : A Driver of Development’, with the aim of promoting ECOWAS’s regional dairy strategy and contributing to the development of a sustainable and inclusive dairy sector in West Africa.

The Commission was represented at this meeting by a large delegation from the Directorate of Agriculture and Rural Development, and by the Regional Agency for Agriculture and Food (ARAA) through the PAOLAO and PRAOP3 projects, two flagship initiatives contributing to the implementation of the ECOWAS proactive dairy strategy. Also present were several beneficiaries and key stakeholders from the sector across various countries in the region, notably Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Niger and Senegal.

This strong turnout illustrates the importance ECOWAS attaches to the dairy sector, considered one of the five strategic products of the ECOWAP regional agricultural policy. Beyond its contribution to nutrition and food security, the dairy sector represents a real driver of economic development, job creation and improved incomes for producers, processors and traders in the region.

The presence of beneficiaries from Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Niger and Senegal, alongside exhibitors showcasing a variety of dairy products, has generated particular enthusiasm among participants at the stands.

Through its active involvement, ECOWAS aims to share the progress made under the regional dairy strategy, promote innovative initiatives supported by its programmes, and strengthen synergies between the various stakeholders in order to build a dairy sector that fosters inclusive and sustainable growth in the region.