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The African Development Fund has approved USD 99.16 million in initial funding to enhance rice cultivation value chains across West Africa.
The African Development Fund has approved USD 99.16 million in initial funding to enhance rice cultivation value chains across West Africa. This investment, part of the Regional West Africa Rice Development project, aims to bolster food security and self-sufficiency in rice by 2030. By fostering public and private sector investments, the initiative addresses regional challenges in rice production, processing, and trade.
The funding targets Gambia and Guinea-Bissau at the national level and extends support to ECOWAS and the Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) regionally. Of the total project cost, 91.2% is covered by the African Development Bank Group through concessional loans and grants, including USD 19.39 million from the Transition Support Facility to aid fragile states. The governments of Gambia and Guinea-Bissau, alongside beneficiaries, ECOWAS, and AfricaRice, will contribute the remaining funds.
Nationally, the project focuses on developing irrigation infrastructure, distributing climate-smart seeds and agricultural supplies, and strengthening rice processing and marketing units. It places special emphasis on empowering women and youth by facilitating access to finance, mechanization, and skills development. The initiative also promotes climate resilience and sustainable farming practices, ensuring adaptability to extreme weather conditions.
At the regional level, AfricaRice will provide technical support, including needs assessments for improved seed production and distribution. ECOWAS will work on policy harmonization and governance improvements in the rice sector through the ECOWAS Rice Observatory.
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Fifteen Western African nations are the direct beneficiaries of this initiative. This includes tens of thousands of farmers in Gambia and Guinea-Bissau, who are set to benefit from these targeted interventions, which aim to transform the region’s rice industry and reduce reliance on imports.
