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Martin Heydon T.D, Minister of State with special responsibility for New Market Development, today (14th September) led a Bord Bia “Driving Growth in West Africa” Client Seminar. This virtual event, featured insights from senior commercial stakeholders on trading with West Africa, focusing in particular on the dairy, seafood, and alcohol sectors.

Minister Heydon stated:

 “Ireland has consistently supplied quality, safe and sustainable food worldwide. With a population of 320 million, markets in West Africa provide a significant opportunity for our agri-food  exports. Bord Bia plays a critical role here in ensuring that Irish suppliers and customers continue to build and foster strong and enduring relationships in this region. 

My Department is strongly engaged in the Government’s strategic approach to Africa in terms of both trade and development.  One example is the Africa Agri-Food Development Programme (AADP), jointly funded by my Department and the Department of Foreign Affairs, which  supports Irish agri-food companies to partner with African companies in the development of sustainable local food enterprises; to support the growth of markets for local produce; and to facilitate mutual trade between Ireland and Africa”.

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Note for Editors

West Africa includes 16 countries, with a total population of 320 million. It is an important export destination for Irish food and drink, generating €415 million in Irish exports in 2020.

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