The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $16 million grant for Phase III of the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT) programme on 14 January 2026 to address the challenges hindering African agriculture and notably low productivity.

The approval was granted by the Bank’s Board of Directors and formalised at a signing ceremony on 18 February 2026 with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), the executing agency.

The funding will support the third phase of TAAT, which focuses on scaling climate-resilient technologies, strengthening seed systems, and improving agricultural productivity across Africa.

The Bank stated that the programme addresses low farm productivity linked to limited access to improved technologies, weak infrastructure, and insufficient investment in climate-resilient practices. 

It also cited rising input costs and supply chain disruptions following the Russia–Ukraine conflict as factors affecting seed and fertiliser availability.

At the signing ceremony, the Bank reported that TAAT Phases I and II had influenced $3.18 billion in agricultural investments. 

This includes $857.5 million under the African Emergency Food Production Facility and $2.31 billion from other agricultural projects.

The Bank’s Director for Nigeria, Dr. Abdul Kamara, said Phase III would accelerate the delivery of proven agricultural technologies to farmers. 

He mentioned that the new phase would strengthen systems that support productivity growth and resilience.

Dr Martin Fregene, Officer in Charge of the Bank’s Vice Presidency for Agriculture, Human and Social Development, mentioned that the earlier phases had vetted and scaled agricultural technologies, promoted climate-resilient practices, and supported seed systems development.

He stated that the  238 technology use cases had been integrated into 46 regional investment projects across 31 countries. 

The programme has targeted smallholder farmers through partnerships with Regional Member Countries and development agencies.

The Director General of IITA and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa, Dr Simeon Ehui, said the programme had recorded productivity increases of up to 69 per cent in selected crops. 

He added that more than 25 million farmers had been reached.

Under the African Emergency Food Production Facility, TAAT supported the distribution of 476,747.96 metric tonnes of improved climate-resilient seeds to over 14 million smallholder farmers. 

It also provided technical specifications for certified seed supply and quality assurance.

Phase III will consolidate earlier gains and strengthen financial and operational sustainability. 

It will support National Agricultural Research Systems and private seed companies to increase the production of early-generation and certified seeds.

The programme will expand digital platforms to improve access to agricultural technologies, e-extension services, and advisory support. 

It will also promote the development of a regional technology market to enhance cross-border access to innovations.

Capacity building will form part of the new phase. Extension workers and farmers will receive training to improve the adoption of improved crop varieties and climate-smart practices.

The programme will also strengthen meteorological institutions and early warning systems. This aims to improve climate data collection and integrate weather forecasts into farm planning.

The Bank stated that the TAAT Phase III would support food systems resilience, increase productivity, and enhance regional trade competitiveness through private sector participation and stronger technology delivery systems.

The programme aligns with continental agricultural transformation strategies and aims to improve food security, farmer incomes, and climate resilience across Africa.

Source: IITA