(Ecofin Agency) - Islamic Development Bank (IBD) committed CFA170 billion to support rice sector in 10 African countries. Sidy Mohamed Ould Taleb, IDB Regional Director, told APS. “The scheme aims to boost rice production and productivity as well as the development of national and regional businesses along the efficient value chain with strong private sector participation,” he said. The project’s phase I will focus on Sierra Leone, Gambia, Guinea, Niger and Senegal, while phase II targets Côte d'Ivoire, Benin, Mali, Burkina Faso and Sudan. According to OECD-FAO agricultural outlook for 2016-2025, sub-Saharan Africa accounts for less than 3 percent of global rice stock. However, Nigeria, Mali, Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea are set to be main production boosters by 2025. 

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