The ECOWAS Commission and the African Development Bank (AfDB) have entered into an $11.18 million agreement to boost rice production throughout West Africa.
ECOWAS shared this announcement in a video posted on its social media platforms on Tuesday.
Following the agreement signing in Abuja, ECOWAS President Omar Touray emphasized the partnership’s importance in achieving rice self-sufficiency across West Africa.
“This is not the first time or the only support we have received from the African Development Bank. You may recall that the bank is collaborating with us on the flagship Lagos corridor project, among others. Now, they have once again responded to our call for assistance in food security,” Touray stated.
He expressed gratitude to AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina and the bank’s management for their continued support.
Touray also assured that ECOWAS would move swiftly to implement the program.
“I have outlined measures to accelerate the execution of projects like this, and we will remain committed to that approach. We truly appreciate this support,” he added.
AfDB’s Director-General for Nigeria, Abdul Kamara, described the initiative as a crucial step toward strengthening the region’s agricultural foundation, enabling African nations to achieve food security and reduce reliance on rice imports.
“Today marks a significant milestone as the African Development Bank and the ECOWAS Commission formalize an agreement worth nearly $12 million—specifically, $11.18 million—leveraging the ECOWAS Rice Observatory. This organization has played a vital role in engaging, organizing, and raising awareness among member countries,” Kamara noted.
He highlighted the bank’s development of special agro-industrial processing zones focused on key value chains, emphasizing that this initiative would serve as a strong foundation for West African nations to attain self-sufficiency in rice production.
