A regional round table on investment in the rice sector opened on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, in Accra, Ghana, under the theme “Mobilising resources to achieve rice self-sufficiency in West Africa.” The event was organized by the Department of Economic Affairs and Agriculture of the ECOWAS Commission, with support from the World Bank and the African Development Bank.
The two-day meeting, held from June 2–3, aims to mobilize public, private, and blended financing to accelerate the implementation of national and regional action plans for investment in the rice sector. The ultimate goal is to achieve regional rice self-sufficiency by 2035.
The opening ceremony featured addresses from several dignitaries, including Ghana’s Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Nyarko Ampem, World Bank Vice-President for the Global Environment, Guangzhe Chen, and AfDB Director of Agricultural Finance and Rural Development, Richard Ofori-Mante. ECOWAS Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Dr Kalilou Sylla, also presented the Vision for Rice Self-Sufficiency in West Africa by 2035.
In his remarks, ECOWAS Commission President Dr Omar Alieu Touray stated: “ECOWAS’ ambition is to establish competitive, inclusive, and sustainable agri-food systems that strengthen food sovereignty, create jobs, and promote shared prosperity, whilst achieving regional self-sufficiency in rice by 2035.”
Delivering the official opening address on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, Ghana’s Vice-President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that beyond rice, the meeting raises broader questions about economic transformation, regional integration, and Africa’s ability to achieve self-sufficiency with dignity.
The round table is expected to serve as a catalyst for action, bringing together governments, development partners, and private investors to strengthen food systems and ensure long-term resilience in West Africa.
