The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission have taken a significant step towards strengthening food security in West Africa by signing a $12 million Grant Agreement for the implementation of the Rice Resilient Value Chains Development Project (REWARD).

The signing ceremony took place at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria. The project aims to stimulate public and private investment in rice value chains across the region, utilizing proven business models to enhance production and reduce reliance on imports.

The REWARD initiative forms part of a larger regional rice development program funded by the AfDB across 15 West African nations. The agreement was signed by ECOWAS Commission President, H.E. Dr. Alieu Omar Touray, and AfDB Director General for Nigeria, Dr. Abdul Kamara, on behalf of AfDB President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.

The ambitious project, valued at $650 million, is designed to achieve “rice sovereignty” in ECOWAS member states by increasing production and reducing costly rice imports.

Rice is a fundamental component of food security in West Africa, yet the region remains heavily dependent on imports despite its vast agricultural potential. The growing demand for rice has placed significant pressure on food systems and national economies. Strengthening local rice production has therefore become an urgent necessity.

Over the next five years, the REWARD-ECOWAS project will focus on supporting policy reforms, improving agricultural input regulations, and enhancing digital monitoring systems to bolster competitiveness in the regional rice sector.

The ECOWAS Commission, through its Economic Affairs and Agriculture Department and the ECOWAS Rice Observatory, will spearhead the initiative’s implementation.

During the signing ceremony, Dr. Touray expressed his appreciation for the AfDB’s support and reiterated ECOWAS’ commitment to swiftly executing the project.

“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. Akinwumi 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.”
H.E. Dr. Alieu Omar Touray

Dr. Touray emphasized that “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.”
H.E. Dr. Alieu Omar Touray

Addressing Rice Import Dependency

The food security situation in West Africa is particularly pressing. In 2021, the region produced approximately 14 million metric tons of milled rice, while the demand exceeded 22 million metric tons. This shortfall has led to significant rice imports, costing West Africa an estimated $3.5 billion annually.

AGREEMENT 3 — Some officials who grace the signing of the Grant Agreement

Speaking at the event, AfDB Director General Dr. Abdul Kamara underscored the Bank’s commitment to tackling this challenge.

“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.”
Dr. Abdul Kamara

The initiative is aligned with the ECOWAS Regional Rice Roadmap (2025-2035), the Action Plan of the ECOWAS Rice Observatory, and the broader objectives of the ECOWAS Agricultural Policy (ECOWAP). It also supports the AfDB’s vision of increasing agricultural productivity and enhancing regional food systems.

With this agreement in place, ECOWAS member states are now positioned to transform the rice sector, achieve food sovereignty, and mitigate the risks associated with global market disruptions. Beyond increasing rice production, the project is expected to generate employment opportunities, stabilize economies, and enhance the region’s resilience against future food crises.