The African Development Bank and ECOWAS have signed a $12 million grant agreement to implement the Rice Resilient Value Chains Development Project.
This initiative aims to strengthen regional food security by increasing rice production and reducing dependence on costly rice imports across West Africa.
The signing ceremony took place at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja, marking a major step forward in regional agricultural development and sustainability efforts.
The REWARD project seeks to stimulate public and private investments in rice value chains, leveraging business models to boost local production.
Addressing Rice Deficit and Strengthening Regional Food Security
Rice remains a staple food in West Africa, yet heavy reliance on imports strains economies and food systems across the entire region.
The REWARD project is part of a larger $650 million multinational effort, funded by AfDB, to ensure rice sovereignty across ECOWAS.
ECOWAS Commission President, Dr. Alieu Omar Touray, and AfDB’s Director General for Nigeria, Dr. Abdul Kamara, signed the agreement officially.
This initiative will introduce policy reforms, regulate agricultural inputs, and enhance digital monitoring systems to optimize rice production efficiency.
Dr. Touray reaffirmed ECOWAS’ commitment to accelerating REWARD’s implementation, emphasizing alignment with the bloc’s 4X4 Strategy for regional stability.
He acknowledged AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina’s dedication to Africa’s development, noting food security’s link to regional economic stability.
Commitment to Agricultural Transformation
AfDB’s Dr. Kamara emphasized the bank’s commitment to food security and strengthening agricultural value chains across the West African region.
He noted that the REWARD project aligns with ECOWAS’ Regional Rice Roadmap (2025-2035) and broader African agricultural development policies.
By implementing REWARD, ECOWAS states can transform rice sectors, achieve food sovereignty, and reduce dependence on external food markets.
The initiative is expected to create jobs, stabilize regional economies, and strengthen resilience against potential future food insecurity crises.
