IFAD plans US$70 million investment in Guinea’s agricultural sector

GUINEA – The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) plans to mobilise US$70 million for a second phase of agricultural investment in Guinea, with approval from its executive board expected in December 2026.

The proposed financing was announced on November 5 following discussions between Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah and an IFAD delegation led by Bernard Hien, the fund’s regional director for West and Central Africa.

The funding is intended to expand agricultural production capacity, strengthen value chains, promote inclusive economic growth and support diversification of the national economy. The investment remains subject to approval by IFAD’s executive board.

The proposed programme builds on previous IFAD-supported projects in Guinea, which have contributed to constructing 250 kilometres of rural roads and markets across 15 prefectures. 

These investments aim to improve access between agricultural production areas and commercial centres, helping farmers reach markets.

Agricultural potential and feed supply opportunities

Guinea has about 6.2 million hectares of arable land but cultivates only about a quarter of it each year, according to government figures.

The country also has an estimated irrigation potential of 364,000 hectares, of which only 10% has been developed.

Expanding agricultural production could strengthen domestic supplies of raw materials used in animal feed, including grains and other crop-based ingredients. 

However, IFAD has not disclosed specific allocations for feed crop production or livestock-related value chains under the proposed financing.

In May 2026, IFAD signed agreements with Coris Bank, Crédit Rural de Guinée and insurance providers to improve farmers’ access to credit and reduce financing risks.

The government aims to use the country’s agricultural resources to develop a more competitive agro-industrial sector and reduce dependence on imported food supplies. 

The proposed second phase of IFAD investment is expected to support this ambition by strengthening production and improving connections between farmers and markets.

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