The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) have signed a €5 million agreement to finance the second phase of the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) programme.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Abdul Kamara, Director-General of AfDB Nigeria, reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to driving agricultural transformation across Africa.
He emphasized that the agreement aligns with AfDB’s Feed Africa strategy, which aims to enhance smallholder farmers’ productivity and strengthen food security.
Kamara explained that the additional funding builds on the $40 million previously provided for TAAT Phase I and is targeted at expanding access to modern agricultural technologies for over 40 million smallholder farmers across the continent.
“The TAAT programme is not just an agricultural initiative but a transformational effort aimed at enhancing food security, strengthening climate resilience, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices,” he stated.
He further noted that the new funding, which supports TAAT Phase II, is made possible through a €5 million grant from the Donor Contributions Window of the Transition Support Facility (TSF), with contributions from the German government.
“TAAT Phase II will focus on empowering low-income African countries by increasing productivity, strengthening food systems, improving farmers’ incomes, and positioning Africa to become a net food exporter,” Kamara added.
The programme will also support key activities such as farmer capacity building, digital agriculture solutions, extension services, and private sector investment in agricultural value chains.
Kamara reiterated AfDB’s commitment to fostering agricultural research and innovation as part of Africa’s long-term food security agenda, describing TAAT as a critical instrument for achieving these goals.
Also speaking at the event, IITA Director-General, Dr. Simeon Ehui, commended AfDB for its sustained partnership and leadership in Africa’s agricultural transformation.
Ehui emphasized IITA’s commitment to collaborating with CGIAR Centers, National Agricultural Research Institutions, and private sector players to ensure the success of the programme.
He highlighted the achievements of TAAT Phase I, which facilitated the widespread adoption of improved seed varieties, climate-smart agricultural practices, and mechanization solutions for millions of farmers.
For TAAT Phase II, he outlined a strategic focus on accelerating the deployment of agricultural technologies, strengthening partnerships, encouraging youth and women’s participation in agribusiness, and enhancing food and nutrition security.
“With this grant, we reaffirm our commitment to delivering impact-driven agricultural solutions. The journey ahead requires sustained investment, policy support, and strong collaboration,” Ehui stated.
He added that IITA would continue working closely with AfDB and other stakeholders to ensure that the programme contributes to reducing food imports and unlocking Africa’s agricultural potential.