In the face of growing food security challenges and the need to promote more inclusive economic growth, cross-border trade is increasingly emerging as a strategic driver of transformation in West Africa. This was the key message delivered by AGRA during the regional training workshop on the optimal use of the Road Fluidity application, held in Benin on June 24–25, 2026.
As the financial partner of the project aimed at strengthening the participation of women and youth in cross-border trade, AGRA actively participated in the workshop, which brought together WACTAF field focal points from across the region. In his remarks, Mr. Sunil Dahiya, AGRA’s representative commended WACTAF’s leadership and commitment to regional economic integration, highlighting the organization’s vital role in facilitating trade and creating a more enabling environment for cross-border traders.
According to AGRA, the sustainable transformation of Africa’s food systems requires the removal of trade barriers, improved access to markets, and enhanced competitiveness of producers, traders, and transport operators. It is within this framework that the partnership between AGRA, the Mastercard Foundation, and the Youth Entrepreneurship for the Future of Food and Agriculture initiative seeks to create greater economic opportunities for women and young people engaged in agricultural value chains.
The results achieved so far demonstrate the tangible impact of this approach. More than 2,000 jobs have been created, transaction costs have been reduced by 27 percent, and the incomes of economic actors have increased significantly. These achievements highlight the potential of cross-border trade as a powerful driver of prosperity, economic resilience, and regional cohesion.
The AGRA representative also highlighted the progress made by WACTAF in modernizing trade facilitation mechanisms. She praised the efforts undertaken to revitalize border information and assistance offices, strengthen the institutional capacities of traders’ organizations, and promote innovative solutions tailored to local realities.
At the heart of this momentum is the Road Fluidity digital application, presented as a major innovation for improving regional trade flow efficiency. The tool enables real-time collection and monitoring of information related to trade flows, helps identify obstacles encountered along transport corridors, and generates reliable data to support advocacy efforts and informed decision-making.
For AGRA, Road Fluidity is much more than a digital application; it is a strategic instrument capable of enhancing transparency in trade, reducing the constraints faced by traders, and improving the movement of agricultural products across the region. Its deployment therefore represents a significant step toward building a more integrated, competitive, and resilient West African trading space.
