AfDB, ECOWAS sign US$11M grant to boost rice production in West Africa

WEST AFRICA – The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission have formalized a US$11.78 million grant agreement to strengthen rice production and reduce dependence on costly rice imports in West Africa.

The agreement, part of the Regional Resilient Rice Value Chains Development Program in West Africa (REWARD-ECOWAS), was approved by the AfDB’s Board of Directors on November 20, 2024. ECOWAS Commission is contributing US$1.18 million in co-financing.

The official signing took place on March 10, 2025, at the ECOWAS Commission headquarters in Nigeria’s capital.

ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Alieu Omar Touray, and AfDB Director General for Nigeria, Dr. Abdul Kamara, signed the protocol, underscoring the commitment of both institutions to advancing agricultural productivity and fortifying regional food systems.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Dr. Kamara highlighted the importance of the project in reducing import dependency and strengthening the region’s agricultural resilience.

“The REWARD-ECOWAS project is a major step toward reducing import dependence, boosting food production, and decreasing 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,” he stated.

Dr. Touray expressed ECOWAS’ deep appreciation for the AfDB’s support and reiterated the urgency of project implementation.

“Food and rice production is central to food security, which is also tied to peace and stability. This makes the REWARD project critical, and it must be implemented swiftly. It aligns with our ‘4X4 Strategy,’ which focuses on regional peace and security, deeper integration, good governance, and inclusive and sustainable development,” he affirmed.

Rice is a staple food in West Africa and a key economic commodity. However, the region remains heavily reliant on imports, a challenge that has put immense pressure on local economies.

Despite Africa’s agricultural potential, the demand for rice in West Africa significantly exceeds local production. In 2021, the region produced approximately 14 million metric tons of milled rice, while demand surpassed 22 million metric tons. This shortfall has resulted in annual rice import costs amounting to US$3.5 billion.

The REWARD-ECOWAS project is set to run over the next five years, focusing on vital reforms to enhance the competitiveness of the rice sector.

Key initiatives under the program include policy reforms, improved agricultural input regulation, and the development of advanced digital monitoring systems. The ECOWAS Commission’s Economic Affairs and Agriculture Department and the ECOWAS Rice Observatory will oversee the project’s implementation.

This project is a crucial component of the ECOWAS Regional Rice Roadmap (2025-2035) and the ECOWAS Rice Observatory’s Action Plan. Additionally, it aligns with the African Development Bank’s Regional Strategy Paper for West Africa 2020-2025, which prioritizes increased agricultural productivity and the strengthening of regional food systems.

Sign up to HERE receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.