Stakeholders are tackling wheat import dependence and food insecurity in Africa as demand for wheat across West and Central Africa rises rapidly. Driven by population growth, urbanization, and shifting dietary preferences, local production has remained insufficient, leaving countries heavily dependent on imports and vulnerable to global shocks, supply chain disruptions, and price volatility. This import dependence poses a significant risk to food security, particularly amid climate change and geopolitical instability.
Regional Wheat Summit in N'Djamena
These obstacles were the thematic focus of the third Regional Wheat Summit held in N'Djamena, Chad recently. Under the auspices of the West and Central Africa Wheat Development Network (WECAWheat), the summit attracted policymakers, researchers, private sector actors, and development partners under the theme: “Accelerating Wheat Impact in West and Central Africa: Scaling Adoption, Driving Innovation, and Shaping Policy for Sustainable Growth.” It reaffirmed the region’s strong potential to significantly increase wheat production, despite current challenges.
High-Level Participation
The event was hosted by the Chadian Institute of Agricultural Research for Development (ITRAD) under the patronage of the Prime Minister of Chad, with high-level participation from regional and international stakeholders, including the African Development Bank, Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT), CGIAR Scaling for Impact Programme, International Centre for Agriculture in the Dry Areas (ICARDA), CORAF, and global wheat research networks.
Advances in Agricultural Research
At the summit, participants noted that advances in agricultural research—particularly the development of heat-tolerant wheat varieties—alongside improved agronomic practices, mechanization, and irrigation systems, are opening new opportunities for scaling production. They emphasized that unlocking this potential requires a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach integrating strong public policies, scientific innovation, private sector investment, and regional collaboration.
Strategic Directions
The summit concluded with clear strategic directions to accelerate wheat sector growth. Governments were urged to prioritize wheat within national and regional agricultural policies to strengthen food sovereignty and reduce import dependence. Participants called for rapid dissemination of climate-smart technologies, improved seed varieties, and mechanization solutions tailored to local conditions. Improving seed production, certification, and distribution systems was identified as essential to ensuring farmers’ access to high-quality inputs, while increased funding for agricultural research and stronger institutional collaboration were highlighted as key to developing resilient wheat systems.
Infrastructure and Inclusion
The summit emphasized investments in infrastructure—covering production, storage, processing, and marketing—to enhance competitiveness and create economic opportunities. Greater inclusion of women and youth in the wheat value chain was also identified as critical for sustainable growth and job creation.
Expansion to Continent-Wide Platform
A major outcome was the proposal to expand WECAWheat into a continent-wide platform, potentially evolving into an Africa-wide Wheat Development Network. This initiative aims to strengthen knowledge sharing, scale innovations, and enhance collaboration across all regions of Africa. Participants highlighted Ethiopia as a leading example of successful wheat sector transformation. The country’s rapid progress in domestic wheat production—driven by strong policy support, investment, and public–private partnerships—was recognized as a model for replication across the region. The summit recommended study tours and technical exchanges with Ethiopia, documentation of successful policy and financing models, and adaptation of best practices to local contexts.
The N'Djamena Call
At the close, participants issued the N'Djamena Call—a collective commitment to transform the wheat sector through increased political commitment and investment, accelerated adoption of agricultural technologies, expansion of irrigated production systems, strengthened seed systems and research, enhanced public–private partnerships, and deepened regional cooperation. This call represents a unified vision to position wheat as a pillar of food security, economic growth, and agricultural resilience in Africa.
Technology Forum and Next Summit
The summit also featured a forum on agricultural technologies aligned with the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP), where 23 proven innovations were identified as ready for scaling across the region. In a forward-looking decision, participants approved Senegal as the host of the 4th WECAWheat Regional Wheat Summit.
The 3rd WECAWheat Summit marks a critical milestone in Africa’s journey toward wheat self-sufficiency. By aligning policy, research, investment, and partnerships, stakeholders are laying the groundwork for a resilient, inclusive, and competitive wheat sector—capable of feeding millions and reducing dependence on global markets.
