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AGriDI Offers a Bold Vision for Digital Agriculture in West Africa

Posted on September 9, 2025September 9, 2025 by Janet Otieno

After four and a half years of driving digital innovation across West Africa, the Accelerating Inclusive Green Growth through Agri-based Digital Innovation (AGriDI) project concluded its close-out and dissemination workshop in Dakar, Senegal with not only a bold commitment but also clear evidence of impact.

Hosted by the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) in collaboration with The West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF), the three-day workshop (27–29 August 2025) brought together more than 50 stakeholders including researchers, policymakers, grantees, development partners, and private sector actors. The event served as both a reflective milestone and a springboard for future action.

Digital innovations are vital for transforming agri-food systems and are key to advancing agriculture in Senegal and West Africa in general,” said Dr Mabouba Diagne, Senegal’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty and Livestock, who officially opened the workshop.

“When I see the good work of icipe, CORAF, VITAGRO, in partnership with the European Union (EU) – I am convinced that technology and innovation can leapfrog our food systems transformation efforts,” the Hon Minister added. Hon Diagne also said that digital innovations are key to advancing agriculture in Senegal.

“Therefore, digital innovations and their scaling the results must be inclusive,” he said.

A Legacy of Innovation and Inclusion

Launched in 2020 with €2.73 million in funding from the EU through the ACP Innovation Fund, AGriDI has been a catalyst for change and has worked hand in hand with farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and innovators to make sure digital tools truly respond to local needs.

The AGriDI consortium led by icipe comprises Agropolis Fondation (AF) in France, Gearbox Pan African Network (GB) in Kenya, and Université d’Abomey-Calavi (UAC) in Benin.

Over the past four and a half years, AGriDI has supported 13 grantee projects across the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region. These projects focused on co-developing and adapting digital solutions, creating digital innovations for market linkages, and strengthening policies for digital innovation.

Standout innovations include:

The AGriCef mobile app in Benin, used to control Fall armyworm infestations in maize

Ki@ app provides market updates directly to local farmers via SMS and voice message.

SMARTSOIL, an AI-driven tool in Nigeria that delivers localized soil management advice.

Ghana’s DigiMakt led by Esoko profiling over 12,500 farmers and providing market prices, insurance access, and agronomic tips via mobile technology.

MarketMap app by SOSAI which offers reliable market information for farmers, processors, and service providers in the agricultural sector.

With over 66% of West African workforce employed in the agri-food sector—of which 68% are women— the role of AGriDI in improving market access, driving financial inclusion, and addressing climate change cannot be overstated.

The Director General of icipe, Dr Abdou Tenkouano stressed that digital innovations are key enablers of agri-technologies food systems transformation.

“We can make agriculture more sustainable, profitable, and attractive to the youth through digital innovations. We can also better connect firm produce to the market. Sustainable production is one thing, but access to markets for the produce is even a bigger challenge. We could save up to 40% of farm produce and attract better prices if digital innovations can help perishable goods reach the market in a timely fashion,” Dr Tenkouano pointed out.

CORAF Executive Director Dr Moumini Savadogo called on participants to scale up the results of their projects while sharing that he was previously heading WASCAL, which leads a project in Burkina Faso on Precision Pest and Disease Management System based on Multidimensional Big Data under the AGriDI initiative.

On his part, the European Union (EU) Head of Cooperation Republic of Senegal Dr Simon Vanden Broeke underscored the critical need to support agriculture and food systems through innovation to make them more resilient to the effects of climate change, thereby stabilizing food and nutritional security for all in sustainable manner.

From the conference hall to the field

During a field visit to VITAGRO where participants had the opportunity to explore practical applications of agricultural production and agroecology involving aquaculture, poultry farming, cattle and sheep farming, agro-food processing of dairy poultry, medicinal plants fruits and vegetables. The visit demonstrated how digital tools can enhance sustainable farming practices, from composting and pest control to water management and marketing. VITAGRO is an integrated agricultural and agro-industrial development platform committed to innovation, training, and sustainable development of local resources. It is based in Niayes, Senegal and was launched in 2021 as a public–private partnership.

A Pitch for the Future

The final day culminated in a pitching session, where grantees presented their digital solutions to other participants. These pitches were more than project summaries — they were visions for how West Africa can harness technology to meet the challenges of food security, climate change, and rural development.

Aligning with AU agenda

AGriDI’s work aligns with key regional and continental frameworks including ECOWAS’ agricultural policies, the AU Agenda 2063, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since it is part of the PASET Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif), the project also contributes to building Africa’s long-term capacity in data science, climate innovation, and digital agriculture.

Prof Aminata Sall Diallo, Chair of the PASET Executive Board, noted that AGriDI is reinforcing Africa’s digital capacity at all levels — from doctoral scholars to field-level entrepreneurs.

Though the workshop marked the formal close of AGriDI, the sense among participants was clear: this is just the beginning. Plans are already underway to continue collaboration, build on existing networks, and showcase innovations at future forums such as the MITA Technology and Innovation Market in Bamako, Mali, in October 2025.

Esoko project lead Philip Asihene reiterated that they had plans to sustain the project outcomes and innovations beyond AGriDI’s closure. He highlighted that they will not only strengthen but also scale up the agents network by creating jobs for young people and driving digital economic development in rural communities.

“We will also use the agents’ network to move into rural product distribution (products include bundled micro insurance, input credit, microcredit, energy-efficient cooking stoves and of course, information services,” he added.

He also talked of plans to develop DigiMakt into a standalone App that can be offered as a subscription service to value chain actors and other businesses besides coming up with a spin-off business (Sikafields) to venture into services that are not core to traditional Esoko services like carbon credit.

On his closing remarks, Prof Jules Degila from UAC reflected on the AGriDI journey noting that since the grants were allocated, 8 new digital applications were developed, and 2 existing platforms have been strengthened. He also highlighted that more than 40,000 farmers, 400 SMEs and cooperatives, and thousands of women (16,800+) and youth (18,000+) benefited directly from AGriDI. Over 200,000 messages were delivered to connect and inform agricultural actors.

He also pointed out some key achievements of AGriDI beyond the digital solutions included.

Capacity Building: Thousands of SMEs, farmer leaders, women, and youth were trained, strengthening digital literacy and agribusiness use of technology.

Collaboration: multi-stakeholder networks linking universities, startups, farmers, and ministries have emerged, proving stronger and more sustainable where partnerships were diverse.

Policy Engagement: Success stories such as WASCAL in Burkina Faso and ACED in Benin show how ministerial collaboration strengthens scaling and ownership.

“While AGriDI as a project is closing, its impact must continue. The seeds we planted through applications, networks, partnerships, and knowledge now need to be nurtured into lasting ecosystems,” Prof Jules stated.

He also mentioned that some projects have already charted pathways where the ministries are scaling up apps like Burkina Faso Ministry of Agriculture taking up WASCAL.

He added that some of the startups are commercializing solutions like the TIC-ABC with AGriCef in Benin besides established platforms continuing to expand like SAPA, Esoko and DigiMakt in Ghana.

The AGriDI story is not only one of successful project implementation — it is a blueprint for how inclusive, data-driven, and farmer-centred innovation can transform agriculture and empower millions across West Africa.

AGriDI Project Kicks Off Close-Out & Dissemination Workshop in Dakar

Posted on August 29, 2025August 29, 2025 by Janet Otieno

This week Wednesday marked the beginning of an exciting three-day gathering in Dakar, Senegal, where innovators, researchers, policymakers, and partners are coming together to shape the future of digital agriculture in West Africa.

The International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe), in collaboration with the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF), is hosting the AGriDI Close-Out and Dissemination Workshop from 27–29 August 2025 at the Sheraton Hotel — a gathering that marks both a milestone and a new chapter for agricultural transformation in the region.

Since its launch in 2020, the Accelerating Inclusive Green Growth through Agri-based Digital Innovation in West Africa (AGriDI) project has been more than a programme — it has been a catalyst for change. With the support of the ACP Innovation Fund through the OACPS R&I Programme and the European Union (EU), AGriDI has worked hand in hand with farmers, agri-entrepreneurs, and innovators to make sure digital tools truly respond to local needs.

A group photo taken during the AGriDI closeout workshop taking place at Sheraton Hotel in Dakar, Senegal

While officially opening the workshop, Senegal Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty and Livestock Hon Mabouba Diagne stressed that he is convinced of the importance of research as the motor and accelerator for agriculture. “When I see the good work of icipe, CORAF, VITAGRO, in partnership with the European Union – I am convinced that technology and innovation can leapfrog our food systems transformation efforts.”

Senegal Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty and Livestock Hon Mabouba Diagne opening the workshop.

The minister also pointed out that when making sustainable and scaling the results we must be inclusive.

“Digital innovations are vital for transforming agri-food systems and are key to advancing agriculture in Senegal.”

Senegal Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty and Livestock Hon Mabouba Diagne in discussion with icipe Director General of icipe at Sheraton Hotel in Dakar, Senegal

The Director General of icipe, Dr Abdou Tenkouano stressed that digital innovations are key enablers of agri-technologies food systems transformation.

icipe Director General Dr Abdou Tenkouano — *icipe* Director General Dr Abdou Tenkouano addressing the workshop

He also emphasized on the importance of partnerships, “No one can do it alone. When you extend your hand to the other there is so much that you can achieve,” Dr Tenkouano stated.

The European Union (EU) Head of Cooperation Republic of Senegal Simon Vanden Broeke on his part underscored the critical need to support agriculture and food systems through innovation to make them more resilient to the effects of climate change, thereby stabilizing food and nutritional security for all in sustainable manner.

“These results still need to be consolidated and expanded to a larger scale. To this end, the present workshop is an opportunity to capitalize on the project’s results with a view to adopting relevant recommendations on the digital technologies adopted by AGriDi and establishing a consensus on new ways to improve policies and practices related to agricultural digital innovations in West Africa,” he said.

The CORAF Executive Director Moumini Savadogo shared that he was previously heading WASCAL, which leads a project in Burkina Faso on Precision Pest and Disease Management System based on Multidimensional Big Data under the AGriDI initiative.

He invited all to come and share their innovations and learn more from each other at the Agricultural Technologies and Innovations Market (MITA) in Bamako, Mali in October 2025. MITA is a platform that brings together researchers, innovators, and stakeholders in the agricultural sector, promoting the exchange of knowledge.

Prof Aminata Sall Diallo, the Chair of the PASET Executive Board on her part noted that AGriDI project is supported by the European Union (EU) under the framework of the PASET Regional Scholarship and Innovation Fund (Rsif).

“We have always followed AGriDI progress through the quarterly updates on Rsif that icipe provides to the PASET Executive Board.”

Prof Aminata highlighted that AGriDI is implemented as part of Window2 (Research Grants) and Window 3 (Innovation Grants) of the PASET Rsif.

“It aligns well with at least three PASET Rsif thematic priorities namely: AI and data science, food security and agribusiness and climate change. PASET Rsif, under Window 1 (PhD scholarships), manages doctoral programmes related to AI, digital science and innovation at Universite Abomey Calavi in Benin hosting 8 Rsif scholars, Universite Gaston Berger in Senegal hosting 18 Rsif scholars and University of Rwanda in Rwanda with 23 Rsif scholars – altogether 49 PASET Rsif PhD scholars enrolled in these universities with 17 being women which is 35%,” Prof Aminata said adding that AGriDI is complementing PASET Rsif efforts of building digital innovation capacity in Africa.

Her remarks underscored how AGriDI is part of a much larger continental effort to strengthen digital science and innovation for Africa’s transformation.

There was a panel discussion on agri-based digital innovations for green growth in the ECOWAS region.

The conversation underscored the importance of:

Adopting integrated and multidisciplinary approaches that bring together science, technology, policy, and practice.
Placing end-users — especially farmers and agri-entrepreneurs — at the center by ensuring solutions are practical, profitable, and scalable.
Strengthening collaboration across sectors to accelerate the uptake of digital innovations for agricultural transformation.

The panel discussion on agri-based digital innovations for green growth in the ECOWAS region

These insights strongly resonate with the theme of the upcoming Africa Food Systems (AFS) Summit 2025: “Leading Collaboration, Innovation, and the Implementation of Agri-Food Systems Transformation.”

To reinforce this connection, the day concluded with field visit to VITAGRO where the participants of the conference had the opportunity to explore practical applications of agricultural production and agroecology involving aquaculture, poultry farming, cattle and sheep farming , agro-food processing of dairy poultry, medicinal plants fruits and vegetables. The visit also highlighted adoption of agroecological practices including composting, integrated pest management, sustainable water management.

Group photo taken during the field visit at VITAGRO

VITAGRO is an integrated agricultural and agro-industrial development platform committed to innovation, training, and sustainable development of local resources. It is based in Niayes, Senegal and was launched in 2021 as a public–private partnership.

At VITAGRO, Prof Aminata explained that her motivation to be part of the initiative came after realizing that only 35 per cent of young graduates find employment—most of them from agricultural backgrounds. She noted that VITAGRO provides a platform for these graduates to gain hands-on experience, develop practical skills, and turn agriculture into a viable source of employment and innovation.

Just as the upcoming AFS Summit calls for bold collaboration and innovation to reimagine food systems, AGriDI’s work demonstrates how digital agriculture can drive inclusive green growth, empower smallholders, and create resilient food systems across West Africa.