New ECOWAS-AfDB Initiative Aims to Strengthen West Africa’s Rice Industry
AFDB and ECOWAS have signed a $12 million agreement to launch a rice elastic value chain development project (reward) designed to enhance food security in West Africa. The initiative, signed in Abuja, Nigeria, is part of a US$650 million rice development program supported by the AFDB, covers all 15 ECOWAS member states. The project aims to reduce rice imports, strengthen local production and implement policy reforms and digital monitoring systems. ECOWAS President Dr. Alieu Omar Touray stressed the consistency of the deal with the group’s 4×4 strategy, while AFDB’s Dr. Abdul Kamara reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to agricultural development in West Africa. The initiative aims to achieve rice production, create jobs and stabilize self-sufficiency in regional economies.
source: gairametrics
