The International Fund for Agricultural Development reaffirmed its commitment to supporting agricultural transformation in Guinea at the launch of the AgriConnect Guinea Pact in Conakry. Working alongside the World Bank Group, the government, and other partners, IFAD aims to leverage its experience in supporting smallholder farmers and building resilient, market-oriented food systems. The initiative is designed to strengthen food security while positioning agriculture as a key driver of economic growth and job creation.
AgriConnect Guinea adopts a comprehensive approach to modernising agri-food systems, aligning with the country’s long-term development vision under Programme Simandou 2040. The initiative prioritises investment in key value chains such as rice, poultry, and fonio, while also supporting complementary sectors like maize, soybeans, and mangoes. This strategy seeks to reduce reliance on food imports, enhance productivity, and expand export opportunities for high-value agricultural products.
Despite Guinea’s recent economic growth, driven largely by mining and agriculture, nearly half of the population still lives below the international poverty line. The AgriConnect initiative aims to address these challenges by improving food and nutrition security and creating hundreds of thousands of jobs, particularly for youth and women, by 2030. It also seeks to strengthen rural livelihoods and promote inclusive economic development across the country.
IFAD brings decades of experience to this effort, having invested over $270 million in 15 projects in Guinea since 1980, benefiting more than 650,000 rural households. Through its ongoing collaboration with global and regional partners, the organisation continues to focus on increasing incomes, improving living conditions, and enhancing resilience in rural communities.
