African Development Bank and ECOWAS Partner on $11.78M Project to Boost Rice Production in West Africa

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission have signed a Protocol of Agreement for a grant of $11.78 million aimed at strengthening regional rice production, enhancing food security, and reducing West Africa’s dependence on costly rice imports. 

The grant, approved by the AfDB’s Board of Directors on November 20, 2024, will finance the Regional Resilient Rice Value Chains Development Program in West Africa (REWARD-ECOWAS). In addition to the AfDB’s support, the ECOWAS Commission has committed $1.18 million in co-financing for the initiative. 

ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Alieu Omar Touray, and AfDB Director General for Nigeria, Dr. Abdul Kamara, formally signed the agreement at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters in Abuja on March 10, marking a significant step towards increasing agricultural productivity and strengthening regional food systems. 

Addressing Food Security Challenges 

Rice is not only a staple food in West Africa but also a key economic indicator for regional stability. Despite the region’s agricultural potential, West Africa continues to rely heavily on imports to meet demand, placing economic strain on countries and exposing them to global market fluctuations. With demand projected to rise in the coming years, strengthening local rice production has become an urgent priority. 

The REWARD-ECOWAS project, set to run over the next five years, aims to support policy reforms, regulate agricultural inputs more effectively, and enhance regional digital monitoring systems. The initiative will be implemented through the ECOWAS Commission’s Economic Affairs and Agriculture Department and the ECOWAS Rice Observatory. 

A Step Towards Reducing Import Dependency 

At the signing ceremony, Dr. Kamara reaffirmed the AfDB’s commitment to strengthening food security and value chain development in the region. 

“In 2021, West Africa produced around 14 million metric tons of milled rice, while the demand was over 22 million metric tons. This gap has led to significant rice imports, costing the region $3.5 billion annually,” he noted. “The REWARD-ECOWAS project is a major step toward reducing import dependence, boosting food production, and reinforcing resilience against global market shocks. The AfDB is proud to support ECOWAS in this transformative effort, which will benefit all 15 ECOWAS Member States, including Nigeria.” 

Aligning with ECOWAS’ Strategic Goals 

Dr. Touray expressed appreciation for the AfDB’s support and emphasized ECOWAS' commitment to ensuring swift implementation of the project. 

“Food and rice production are critical components of food security, which directly impacts peace and stability in the region. That is why an important project like REWARD must be implemented swiftly,” he stated. “This initiative aligns with our ‘4X4 Strategy,’ which focuses on enhancing regional peace and security, deepening regional integration, promoting good governance, and ensuring inclusive and sustainable development.” 

Strengthening Regional Agricultural Policies 

The REWARD-ECOWAS project is part of broader regional efforts to implement the ECOWAS Regional Rice Roadmap (2025-2035) and the Action Plan of the ECOWAS Rice Observatory. It also aligns with the African Development Bank’s Regional Strategy Paper for West Africa (2020-2025), which prioritizes increasing agricultural productivity and strengthening regional food systems. 

The new agreement offers ECOWAS countries a critical opportunity to transform their rice sectors, secure food sovereignty, and reduce vulnerability to external market forces. If successfully implemented, the initiative is expected to create millions of jobs, stabilize regional food supply chains, and bolster resilience against future food crises. 

With strong commitments from both the African Development Bank and ECOWAS, the REWARD-ECOWAS project stands as a major milestone in West Africa’s pursuit of agricultural self-sufficiency and economic sustainability.