Hawanatu M. Kanneh, AYV News, October 20, 2026
Sierra Leone is hosting the sixth edition of the Market for Agricultural Innovation and Technology (META 2026), bringing together agricultural researchers, policymakers, farmers, investors and development partners from across West and Central Africa to promote innovation and strengthen food security.
The three-day event, running from October 19 to 21 in Freetown, is organised by the West and Central African Council for Agricultural Research and Development (CORAF), in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, under the high patronage of President Julius Maada Bio.
The summit is chaired by Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, and is being held under the theme: “Facilitating Access to Technologies and Innovations for Animal Production and Integrated Agriculture-Livestock-Aquaculture Systems.”
The gathering aims to accelerate the adoption of proven agricultural technologies, strengthen regional partnerships, attract investment and promote sustainable food production.
Addressing delegates, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh emphasised the importance of agriculture in building resilient economies, reducing dependence on imported food and protecting countries from global economic shocks.
He said disruptions caused by international conflicts, rising freight costs and food prices had highlighted the need for stronger domestic production and regional supply chains.
The Vice President also pointed to progress under Sierra Leone’s Feed Salone programme, citing national statistics indicating that rice self-sufficiency increased from 68 per cent in 2023 to 73 per cent in 2025. He further referenced World Food Programme monitoring reports showing a decline in food-insecure households from 28 per cent in 2023 to 13 per cent over the same period.
However, he cautioned that many households remain vulnerable to rising prices and uncertain incomes, stressing that increased agricultural production must translate into more affordable food and improved living conditions.
Minister Kpaka described META 2026 as an important opportunity for the region to strengthen cooperation among researchers, innovators, producers and policymakers.
He highlighted the potential of agricultural technology to increase yields, reduce post-harvest losses, minimise pest damage and improve productivity. He also stressed that innovations must move beyond research institutions and reach farmers in practical and affordable ways.
According to the minister, farmers are more likely to adopt new technologies when they can see clear economic benefits, including lower production costs, improved yields and increased incomes.
He also outlined ongoing efforts by the government to improve soil mapping and digitisation, advance a national seed policy, promote irrigation and support the responsible application of agricultural biotechnology.
Minister Kpaka further underscored the economic opportunities available through local food production, noting that reducing food imports could retain more money within Sierra Leone, create employment and stimulate growth.
The summit will feature agricultural technology exhibitions, ministerial discussions, innovation presentations and business-to-business networking sessions designed to connect technology developers with farmers, buyers and investors.
A major highlight will be the third Abdoulaye TouréAgricultural Innovation Award, which will recognise innovative solutions with the potential to transform agricultural production and food systems across the region. Winners are expected to be announced on October 21.
The World Bank also reaffirmed its support for agricultural transformation, emphasising the importance of regional collaboration, access to finance, extension services and markets to ensure that innovations reach smallholder farmers, women and young people.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources Dr. Sabom Kanu called for closer collaboration between agriculture and fisheries, stressing that integrated production systems can improve food security, livelihoods and economic development.
The event is attracting more than 100 delegates from approximately 13 to 14 countries across West and Central Africa.
Through META 2026, Sierra Leone and its regional partners are seeking to turn agricultural research and innovation into practical solutions that strengthen food systems, expand market opportunities and improve the livelihoods of farmers and communities across the region.
