The ECOWAS Rice Observatory Business Linkages Program is a flagship initiative aimed at scaling up innovative financing models to strengthen the development and competitiveness of the rice sector in West Africa. A financing model such as the Matching Grant Fund has shown promise for rice self-sufficiency. ECOWAS advocates its institutionalization and deployment by aligning it directly with the Regional Agricultural Policy (ECOWAP).

The Matching Grant Fund Program is based on the results of the ECOWAS Rice Offensive. It focuses on inclusive business models, improving productivity across the rice value chain and strengthening sustainable business practices. Its implementation focuses on cost-sharing initiatives to support good agronomic practices and training programs for targeted farmers. It also promotes processing, contract farming, access to finance, mechanization services and the integration of information and communication technologies. Training activities are aligned with the standards of the Platform for Sustainable Rice, thus reinforcing the sustainability of rice production.

Given the importance of scaling up this model, the ECOWAS Rice Observatory has teamed up with stakeholders to focus on the modernization of small and medium-sized mills. The first tranche of funding for the program amounts to 650,000 USD, provided by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the World Bank through the Rice Finder Program and the Food System Resilience Program (FSRP). The funding aims to leverage private sector contributions by encouraging ownership and sustainable growth in the rice sector.

With the Matching Grant Fund, the ECOWAS Rice Observatory continues to demonstrate its commitment to fostering sustainable growth in the sector by leveraging innovative financing models, improving capacity and strengthening value chains across West Africa.