AfDB, ECOWAS sign $12m grant agreement to strengthen rice value chain, boost for security in West Africa

Orisemeke Benjamin

The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission today signed a Grant Agreement of $12m to implement the Rice Resilient Value Chains Development Project (REWARD) in West Africa.

The signing ceremony took place at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria. The REWARD project aims to promote public and private investments in rice value chains. The Project will be based on relevant successful business models and is part of a regional rice development program financed by the AfDB across 15 West African countries.

The ECOWAS Commission President, H.E. Dr. Alieu Omar Touray, signed the agreement on behalf of the Commission, while the AfDB Director General for Nigeria, Dr. Abdul Kamara, signed on behalf of the Bank’s President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina. This multinational, multiphase program is valued at $650 million and aims to promote rice sovereignty in all the ECOWAS Member States. The signing ceremony marks a major step towards strengthening regional rice production, ensuring food security, and reducing West Africa’s dependence on costly rice imports.

Rice is more than just a staple food in West Africa; it is a pillar of food security and an indicator of economic stability. Despite Africa’s vast agricultural potential, West Africa continues to heavily rely on imports to meet demand, placing a strain on economies and food systems. With demand expected to rise significantly in the coming years, strengthening local rice production is not just a priority but an urgent necessity.

Over the next five years, REWARD-ECOWAS project will focus on supporting policy reforms, improving the regulation of agricultural inputs, and enhancing regional digital monitoring systems to make West Africa’s rice sector more competitive. The ECOWAS Commission, through its Economic Affairs and Agriculture Department and the ECOWAS Rice Observatory, will lead the implementation of this initiative. This multinational, multiphase program is valued at US $650 million and aims to promote rice sovereignty in all the ECOWAS Member States.

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Dr. TOURAY expressed the Commission’s gratitude to the Bank for the grant and reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to implementing the project quickly.

Dr. TOURAY said, “I want to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude, on behalf of ECOWAS and all ECOWAS Institutions, to the President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwunmi ADESINA, for his commitment to the development of the African continent in general and West Africa in particular. Dr. Adesina’s role and dedication to Africa’s development is known to all and is extremely appreciated for what he has done for the continent and ECOWAS region during his tenure as the President of the African Development Bank. Food and rice production is part of food security which is also related to peace and security. So, for us an important project such as REWARD must be implemented fast. The project aligns with our 4X4 Strategy, which is anchored on enhanced regional peace and security, deeper regional integration, good governance, and inclusive and sustainable development.”

In his remarks, the Director General of the African Development Bank’s Nigeria Country Department.

Abdul Kamara, emphasized the Bank’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. The REWARD-ECOWAS project is a major step toward reducing import dependence, boosting food production and reducing vulnerability to global market fluctuations in the region. The African Development Bank is proud to support ECOWAS in this effort, which will benefit all 15 ECOWAS Member States, including Nigeria.”

The REWARD-ECOWAS project is part of a broader regional effort to implement the ECOWAS Regional Rice Roadmap (2025-2035) and the Action Plan of the ECOWAS Rice Observatory. In coherence with the ECOWAS Agricultural Policy (ECOWAP) and the 4×4 strategic objectives under the ECOWAS vison 2050, it also aligns with the African Development Bank’s vision of increasing agricultural productivity and strengthening regional food systems.

With this agreement in place, ECOWAS Member States now have the opportunity to transform its rice sector, secure food sovereignty, and reduce vulnerability to global market fluctuations. The project’s success will not only feed millions but also create jobs, stabilize economies, and reinforce the region’s resilience against future food crises.