ECOWAS organized a side event on “Scaling Investments for Rice Self-Sufficiency in West Africa: Opportunities and Challenges” on September 3rd in Kigali, Rwanda in Partnership with AfDB, JICA, AGRA, and the World Bank at the 2024 Africa Food Systems Forum 2024.

This event held under the auspices of Mrs. Massandjé Touré-Litsé, Commissioner of Economic Affairs and Agriculture of ECOWAS was an opportunity to share country experiences for the rice sector development and strengthen the by-in of several Development partners for a successful implementation of the Rice Roadmap 2025-2035.

More than 300 persons composed of Ministers, Governors, researchers, rice producers and processors, students…and technical and development partners participated in this event which promoted the formation of strategic partnerships essential for developing and implementing comprehensive rice investment packages identified within the roadmap.

The different interventions identified and addressed investment barriers by understanding these challenges and formulating actionable solutions to overcome them.

Attendees gained practical insights and proven strategies on successful investments models that can be replicated and adapted across different regions.

The side event was organized around two high level panels: ECOWAS Policy Frameworks and Sustainable Solutions and Financing Sustainable Rice Innovations to promote dialogue and collaboration among policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to enhance policy implementation and impact.

During the panel one, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Sierra Leone, Dr Henri Musa Kpaka; the Governor of Jigawa State Nigeria, HE. Malam Umar A. Mamadi and the Representatives of the Ministries of Agriculture of Ghana, Benin and Senegal share their experiences in the rice sector development. The panellists shared best practices, identified opportunities for enhancing sustainability, and recommended solutions on policy gaps and innovative approaches as underlined by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security of Sierra Leone “In Sierra Leone, Rice is the major staple food and we continue to import large quantities of it. Since I arrived at the Ministry, I have decided to change things by investing in agricultural production, because our climate and vegetation allow it. And we’ve started by producing certified seeds and marketing them to reduce market prices and give most of the population easy access to them. The efforts of ECOWAS through the Rice Roadmap are beneficial for us”. One the major challenges to the development of the Rice Sector is access to finance.

The Governor of Jigawa State has talked this problem and shared his solution “In Jigawa State, we worked with financial institutions that agreed to support the rice industry. All the rice growers who have their own plots have been identified. The banks are helping them to buy seed and fertiliser. At harvest time, the banks help them with marketing and recover their loans. This is more profitable for both the banks and the producers”.  The side event ensured alignment between the Rice Roadmap and the National Rice Development Strategies of the Member States for effective implementation and greater impact.

The second panel session focused on “Financing Sustainable Rice Innovations” to unlock investments for a resilient rice sector.  It brings together financiers, private sector players, development partners. The representatives of AfDB, JICA, AFEX and the World Bank, under the moderation of Alain Sy Traore, Director of Agriculture and Rural Development of ECOWAS, explored potential interventions and sustainable innovations to improve access to finance for farmers and millers to drive rice value chain development, and mechanisms to de-risk investments in the rice value chain. The panellists promoted the introduction of innovative de-risking schemes to encourage private sector investments and lending from financial institutions. This can be achieved e.g., through innovative insurance schemes like crop insurance, weather index insurance to protect against harvest losses, price hedging mechanisms to protect farmers from price volatility.

In conclusion to the side event, the Director of Agriculture and Rural Development said “Since the adoption of the rice roadmap, this is the first time we have shared it with a large audience such as this forum. Our aim is to change the trend in 10 years’ time and reduce the rate of rice imports into our respective countries. Action is underway to achieve this. All we need is financial support and the coordination of all agricultural policies to achieve this. It can be done.”

The organization of ECOWAS and Partners side event at the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFS) 2024, offered a critical platform for advancing agricultural innovation. The forum convened global leaders, investors, and stakeholders to discuss ways to transform food systems across Africa. The event fostered partnerships, shared practical insights, and drove actionable recommendations for achieving rice self-sufficiency in West Africa.

By participating at the AFS Forum 2024, ECOWAS and its partners have amplified their efforts in transforming the rice sector and increased the visibility of the ECOWAS Rice Observatory.  ERO, a multi-stakeholder platform established in partnership with organizations such as the African Development Bank (AfDB), World Bank, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), and others, is central to coordinating activities and investments in West Africa’s rice sector. Based at the ECOWAS Commission under the Directorate of Agriculture and Rural Development, ERO aims to align stakeholders, including farmers, millers, donors, and institutions, to reduce duplication and maximize resource use. Its mission is to facilitate collaboration, catalyze growth, and track progress, ultimately driving the region toward a competitive, sustainable, and resilient rice production.