signature d’un mémorandum d’entente entre ONU femmes et l’OISA
Memorandum of Understanding Signed for Food Security and Agricultural Development in West and Central Africa
On Monday, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed in Algiers between UN Women and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation for Food Security (OISA) to enhance food security and agricultural development across West and Central Africa.
Event Context
The signing took place during the annual meetings of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group for 2025, hosted at the Abdelatif Rahal International Conference Center in Algiers under the patronage of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Key figures at the signing included OISA Director-General Berik Aryn and UN Women’s Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Maxime Houinato.
Goals of the MoU
The primary objective of the MoU is to bolster food security and agricultural development in the two regions, focusing specifically on the economic empowerment of women and youth. This initiative addresses critical needs in rural communities, particularly for women who have limited access to agricultural resources.
Implementation Strategies
Director-General Aryn announced that the program’s implementation will kick off in Nigeria and Sierra Leone. It aims to enable women, especially those in rural areas, to access resources and enhance their agricultural productivity. He emphasized OISA’s commitment to executing various programs across Africa, specifically through the Initiative for Food Security, which provides technical assistance and expertise to member states.
Role of UN Women
Maxime Houinato highlighted UN Women’s pivotal role in supporting women in African nations, particularly through investments in agriculture and women’s empowerment. He asserted that Islamic finance aligns well with the traditions and values prevalent in West and Central African societies, believing that the newly signed agreement with OISA will significantly aid female farmers in the region, empowering them to actively contribute to their countries’ economic development.
Algeria’s Contribution
Houinato also praised Algeria’s substantial contributions at the continental level, emphasizing its strong relationships with other African nations. He noted Algeria’s ongoing support, which includes scholarship programs for students and its efforts in resolving various regional challenges.
The MoU signifies a significant step towards addressing food security challenges and promoting agricultural development, particularly emphasizing the importance of empowering women and youth. Through strategic implementation in key countries such as Nigeria and Sierra Leone, the initiative aims to foster economic development and enhance agricultural productivity in the regions.
