The African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission have formalised a $12 million grant agreement aimed at enhancing food security in West Africa.
This will be implemented through the Rice Resilient Value Chains Development Project (REWARD).
The event, which took place at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja, underscored advancement in regional food security initiatives.
The REWARD project is designed to stimulate both public and private investments in rice value chains, utilizing effective business models to bolster local production.
The initiative is part of a comprehensive AfDB-funded regional rice development program that encompasses all 15 ECOWAS member states.
The agreement was signed by ECOWAS Commission President, H.E. Dr. Alieu Omar Touray, on behalf of the organisation, while AfDB’s Director General for Nigeria, Dr. Abdul Kamara, represented the bank’s President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina.
The REWARD project is a component of a larger $650 million multinational programme aimed at achieving rice sovereignty and food security throughout the region.
As rice serves as a staple food for millions in West Africa and is a vital economic asset, the organisation emphasised the pressing need to enhance local production.
“Despite the continent’s extensive agricultural potential, West Africa remains heavily dependent on imports to satisfy demand, which places considerable pressure on economies and food systems,” the organisation added.
With demand anticipated to increase significantly in the coming years, the REWARD project aims to address this challenge through policy reforms, improved agricultural input regulations, and enhanced regional digital monitoring systems. The ECOWAS Commission, through its Economic Affairs and Agriculture Department and the ECOWAS Rice Observatory, will lead the implementation of the initiative.
During the signing ceremony, Touray reaffirmed ECOWAS’ dedication to fast-tracking the implementation of REWARD, emphasizing its alignment with the bloc’s 4X4 Strategy, which focuses on regional peace and security, deeper economic integration, good governance, and inclusive development.
“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. Food and rice production are 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.” Dr. Touray stated.
Kamara reiterated AfDB’s commitment to bolstering food security and value chain development in the region.
The REWARD-ECOWAS project is part of a comprehensive strategy to implement the ECOWAS Regional Rice Roadmap (2025-2035) and the Action Plan of the ECOWAS Rice Observatory. It is also aligned with the ECOWAS Agricultural Policy (ECOWAP) and the AfDB’s broader vision of enhancing agricultural productivity and strengthening regional food systems.
With this grant agreement, the statement said, ECOWAS member states now have the opportunity to transform their rice sectors, secure food sovereignty, and reduce their dependence on external markets. The success of REWARD will not only feed millions but also create jobs, stabilize economies, and reinforce the region’s resilience against future food crises.