Aruna Turay, AYV News, October 19, 2026
Sierra Leone will host the sixth edition of the Market for Agricultural Innovations and Technologies (MITA 2026) from October 19 to 21, bringing together agricultural researchers, policymakers, producers, investors and development partners from across West and Central Africa.
The three-day regional event is organised by the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF), in collaboration with Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, under the high patronage of President Julius Maada Bio.
The event will be chaired by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Henry Musa Kpaka, and will focus on “Facilitating Access to Technologies and Innovations for Animal Production and Integrated Agriculture-Livestock-Aquaculture Systems.”
MITA 2026 aims to strengthen the connection between agricultural research, technology developers, farmers, agribusinesses and investors, while accelerating the adoption of proven agricultural innovations across the region.
Despite the availability of research-validated technologies with the potential to improve agricultural productivity, many remain underutilised because of limited access to information, financing, partnerships and effective technology transfer mechanisms.
The platform seeks to address these challenges by connecting technology providers with potential users, buyers and investors to promote the exchange, acquisition and wider adoption of innovative agricultural solutions.
The programme will feature technology and innovation exhibitions, presentations of agricultural solutions, a ministerial panel discussion and business-to-business networking sessions known as “Trading Rooms”. These sessions will provide opportunities for technology developers to engage directly with potential buyers, discuss demand and explore agreements for the acquisition and deployment of their innovations.
The opening ceremony will include remarks from Sierra Leone’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, representatives of CORAF, producers and development partners. Ministers responsible for agriculture, livestock and fisheries from participating countries, including Guinea and Liberia, are also expected to participate.
A ministerial panel discussion will examine policies and strategies for expanding the adoption of agricultural technologies and innovations, particularly within animal production and integrated farming systems.
The event will also provide a platform for research institutions, including the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI), international agricultural research organisations, start-ups and private-sector innovators to present proven technologies. Presentations will highlight the practical benefits, technical performance, acquisition costs, profitability and potential environmental impacts of the innovations.
Organisers say the emphasis on practical application and commercial opportunities is intended to ensure that the technologies showcased at MITA move beyond research presentations to real-world use by farmers and agricultural businesses.
A major highlight of MITA 2026 will be the third edition of the Abdoulaye Touré Agricultural Innovation Award, which recognises researchers, inventors and organisations developing innovative solutions with the potential to transform agricultural and food systems across West and Central Africa.
The award seeks to encourage cutting-edge agricultural research and innovation that can improve farmers’ livelihoods, strengthen food systems and deliver measurable development outcomes.
Winners will be announced on October 21 during the closing ceremony, alongside recipients of the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (ICIPE) and International Fertilizer Development Center (IFDC) Special Awards.
The initiative is expected to strengthen scientific partnerships, promote collaboration between technology providers and potential users, and encourage greater investment in agricultural research and development.
CORAF also plans to monitor the adoption of technologies showcased during the event through a structured follow-up system at three, six and 12 months after the exhibition. The process is intended to assess the extent to which the innovations are being adopted and scaled up beyond the event.
Regional Cooperation and Agricultural Development
Established in 1987, CORAF works to improve livelihoods in West and Central Africa through sustainable increases in agricultural production and productivity, while promoting competitiveness and access to markets.
The organisation supports initiatives aimed at addressing food and nutritional insecurity, poverty and youth unemployment through agricultural research, technology development and innovation.
Its work has become increasingly important as countries across the region confront the effects of climate change, population growth, changing market conditions and rising food security needs.
MITA was initially developed under the West African Agricultural Productivity Program, implemented between 2007 and 2019. The initiative has facilitated the movement of more than 100 agricultural technologies across national borders in West and Central Africa.
The platform has since evolved to include a virtual mobile web application, allowing agricultural technologies and innovations to be promoted beyond physical exhibitions.
The 2026 edition builds on previous events and follows the 2025 focus on agricultural technologies and innovations for integrated soil management. This year’s programme shifts attention to animal production and the integration of crop farming, livestock and aquaculture.
MITA 2026 is receiving financial support from the Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP), backed by the World Bank, and the Agricultural Technologies and Innovations to Enhance the Resilience of Production Systems and Family Farms in West and Central Africa II (TARSPro II) project, which receives support from the European Union and other partners.
The FSRP support includes efforts to strengthen regional agricultural innovation systems by improving access to, dissemination of and exchange of technologies. TARSPro II focuses on accelerating the adoption of agricultural innovations to improve the resilience and productivity of farms.
Through the event, CORAF and its partners aim to strengthen regional cooperation, expand investment opportunities and support the development of more productive and resilient agricultural systems.
The organisers expect MITA 2026 to reinforce political commitment to agricultural research, encourage private-sector participation and support the wider adoption of technologies capable of improving food production and contributing to the region’s sustainable development goals.
