ECOWAS, AfDB Join Forces To Boost Rice Production In West Africa
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
Food security remains one of West Africa’s most pressing challenges, with millions relying on rice as a staple food.
Despite its importance, the region still heavily depends on imports, leaving it vulnerable to global market fluctuations.
To address this, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have agreed to work together to enhance rice production across the region.
On March 10, 2025, at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, both institutions signed a $12 million grant agreement to launch the Rice Resilient Value Chains Development Project (REWARD).
This initiative aims to strengthen public and private sector investments in rice production, creating a sustainable framework for self-sufficiency.
0ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Omar Touray, and AfDB’s Director General for Nigeria, Dr. Abdul Kamara, formalised the agreement as part of a broader $650 million programme covering 15 West African nations.
Dr. Touray expressed gratitude for the AfDB’s commitment and pledged swift implementation, while Dr. Kamara reaffirmed the bank’s dedication to supporting ECOWAS in achieving food security and economic resilience.
As West Africa works toward “rice sovereignty,” this partnership is a move in the right direction to reducing import dependence and empowering local farmers.
If successfully executed, the REWARD project could transform the region’s agricultural landscape and fortify its food systems against future disruptions making ECOWAS one of the strongest in food sufficiency across the globe
