IITA joins global partners to launch Tadamon 2.0 in Jeddah
12 May 2026
In a significant step toward advancing resilience in fragile regions, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group officially launched Tadamon 2.0 – Seeds of Solidarity in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, marking a renewed global commitment to inclusive and locally driven development. The event, held at the IsDB Headquarters on 28 April, convened a diverse group of development partners, civil society organizations, and donors, including IITA–CGIAR, Qatar Charity Organization, IICO, MAEIN, IRUSA, ALNOURI, CRC, and more, all united by a shared vision to uplift vulnerable communities.
Delivering the opening remarks, the IsDB Group Chairman, H.E. Dr Muhammad Al Jasser, described the launch as both a milestone and a call to action. He emphasized the urgent need to transition from short-term interventions to long-term resilience-building strategies, particularly in a world where over 32 member countries continue to grapple with fragility, poverty, climate shocks, economic instability, and conflict. According to him, Tadamon 2.0 reflects a deepened commitment to ensuring that no community is left behind, especially those in hard-to-reach areas.
Building on the successes of Tadamon 1.0, which began in 2019, the new phase is anchored on four core pillars: localization, community empowerment, innovation, and reaching the hardest-to-reach populations. By 2030, the initiative aims to expand access to essential services, improve food security and livelihoods, and strengthen the capacity of hundreds of civil society organizations across member countries.
IITA-CGIAR played a prominent role at the launch, reinforcing its position as a key implementing partner. Representing the Director General, Dr Simeon Ehui, the Deputy Director General, Partnerships for Delivery and Scaling, Dr Tahirou Abdoulaye, participated in the official signing of the collaboration agreement with IsDB. In his remarks, he expressed gratitude to IsDB for its leadership and innovation in addressing the needs of vulnerable communities.
Dr Abdoulaye highlighted IITA’s commitment to developing and scaling context-specific, impactful agricultural innovations. He noted that through Tadamon Phase 1.0 in Nigeria and Niger, IITA contributed to improved crop interventions, strengthened local capacity, and supported civil society organizations working directly with farmers. These efforts, he said, have already begun transforming lives and building resilience in fragile communities.
“Tadamon 2.0 is not just a program; it is a promise to build on existing successes and deliver sustainable, scalable solutions that improve livelihoods and food systems,” he stated. He further underscored the importance of partnerships, noting that collaboration remains the backbone of effective development, especially in regions affected by conflict, climate change, and economic hardship.
The launch also celebrated the achievements of Tadamon 1.0, which trained and engaged thousands of civil society organizations, reinforcing their role as critical last-mile partners. Partners, including IITA, IICO, Islamic Relief, USAID, UNDP, HDF, and others, were recognized for transforming Tadamon from an initiative into a global development movement.
A key highlight of the event was the call for strengthened commitment, sharper focus on the most affected communities, and expanded ambition among partners. The introduction of complementary initiatives, such as the newly approved 3R Facility, further demonstrates IsDB’s resolve to mobilize large-scale financing and tackle fragility at its roots.
As the event concluded, participants reaffirmed their dedication to sustained collaboration and impactful delivery. With Tadamon 2.0 now underway, IITA and its partners are poised to deepen their engagement, align strategic priorities, and scale interventions that will empower communities, enhance resilience, and foster sustainable development across some of the world’s most vulnerable regions.
Contributed by Folake Oduntan
