The African Development Bank (AfDB) and IITA–CGIAR have renewed commitment toward transforming Africa’s agricultural landscape following the signing of a €5 million German grant agreement in Abuja to support the ongoing Phase 2 of the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) program.
The grant signing is a testament to the shared effort by both organizations to scale agricultural technologies, boost food production, and strengthen economic growth on the continent.
Building on the successes of TAAT Phase 1, TAAT 2 is accelerating the delivery of improved crop varieties, mechanization, digital advisory services, and sustainable farming practices to smallholder farmers. Focusing on key value chains like maize, cassava, rice, wheat, soybean, and livestock, the TAAT program is helping smallholder farmers to increase productivity, and their incomes, while reducing Africa’s reliance on food imports.
An integral component of TAAT Phase 2 is the ENABLE-TAAT initiative, which is empowering young agripreneurs with modern agricultural skills, financial support, and business development opportunities. By equipping the next generation with the right tools, the program is creating sustainable jobs and fostering innovation in Africa’s agricultural sector.
In countries like Nigeria, TAAT Phase 2 focuses on expanding the adoption of improved maize and cassava varieties, ensuring greater productivity and climate resilience. Smallholder farmers now have access to mechanization, irrigation solutions, and stronger market linkages, helping them to increase yields and improve livelihoods.
Across West Africa, the initiative is helping national governments scale cassava and rice production to reduce reliance on imports, an urgent priority amid global food supply chain disruptions. In East and Southern Africa, the TAAT program is supporting agricultural practices and strengthening livestock systems to improve food and nutrition security.
Reflecting on the importance of this milestone, IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa, Dr Simeon Ehui expressing optimism about the program’s potential said, “We have already witnessed the impact of science-driven solutions in enhancing productivity, improving livelihoods, and strengthening food systems. We are excited to continue this transformative journey with AfDB to strengthen Africa’s agricultural sector through cutting-edge technologies.”
“This grant will further drive the scaling of proven technologies and ensure they reach more smallholder farmers, agripreneurs, and food system actors across Africa,” Dr Ehui added.
AfDB Director General for Nigeria, Dr Abdul Kamara reaffirming the Bank’s commitment to agricultural transformation said,
“TAAT Phase 1 delivered significant impact by scaling proven agricultural innovations. Building on the success of TAAT 1, the second phase will deepen efforts to empower farmers, enhance agricultural value chains, and reduce Africa’s dependence on food imports.”
Implemented by IITA in partnership with other CGIAR centers, national agricultural research systems, and private sector partners, the additional financing of the €5 million grant is coming from the Republic of Germany through the Bank’s Donor Contributions Window of the Transition Support Facility.
Since its launch, the TAAT program has facilitated the dissemination of high-yielding, climate-resilient crop varieties and agronomic practices to millions of smallholder farmers.
With this renewed support under Phase 2, IITA and AfDB, reaffirm their shared vision of an Africa that not only feeds itself but also emerges as a global leader in agricultural production and innovation.
Contributed by ’Timilehin Osunde
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