ECOWAS launches $500m rice project to reach self-sufficiency by 2035

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has officially launched a US$500 million initiative to transform rice production across West Africa. Named the Project for the Development of Resilient Value Chains for Rice in West Africa (REWARD), the program aims to achieve regional food sovereignty and eliminate the need for rice imports by 2035. The launch took place at the ECOWAS Commission Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, marking a significant step toward agricultural independence for member states.

Developed in collaboration with the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), REWARD is a cornerstone of the ECOWAS Regional Rice Roadmap for the 2025–2035 period. This roadmap provides a strategic framework for member states to align their national agricultural policies with regional goals. By pooling resources and expertise, the initiative seeks to address the systemic challenges that have historically hampered large-scale rice cultivation in the region, such as inadequate infrastructure and limited access to modern farming technologies.

The primary objective of the $500 million investment is to bolster food security and reduce the heavy financial burden of importing rice from outside the continent. Currently, many West African nations rely significantly on Asian markets to meet local demand, draining foreign exchange reserves. By developing resilient value chains, ECOWAS intends to create jobs, stabilize local rice prices, and ensure a steady food supply for its growing population.

As the project moves into its implementation phase, it will focus on building climate-resilient farming systems and improving the processing capacity of local rice mills. The success of the REWARD project is seen as vital for the region's broader economic stability, as it transitions toward a more self-reliant agricultural sector. Officials emphasize that reaching the 2035 target will require sustained commitment from all member states to modernize their agricultural sectors and support local farmers.