On September 30, 2026, Acka Éponou Valérie officially assumed her role as the new Director General of the Agency for the Development of the Rice Sector (ADERIZ) in Côte d'Ivoire. The handover ceremony was attended by her predecessor, Dembélé Yacouba, and overseen by Raphaël Lakpé, President of the agency's Board of Directors, and Beugré Toussaint, Chief of Staff to the Minister Delegate for Food Production.
Acka Éponou Valérie expressed her gratitude to President Alassane Ouattara for entrusting her with the position, emphasizing that it is an honor and a commitment to serve the nation with diligence, loyalty, and dedication. She acknowledged the work done by her predecessor and called on colleagues to prioritize consultation and teamwork to overcome challenges in the rice sector.
The new Director General outlined her vision for ADERIZ, focusing on mutual respect, equity, and shared responsibility to enhance the agency's performance and contribute to Côte d'Ivoire's food sovereignty and security. She emphasized that collective effort is crucial for success, with each team member playing a vital role.
Acka Éponou Valérie has over 20 years of professional experience, with expertise in agricultural and agri-food policies, food security, and local economic development. She holds a degree in agro-economics from the Félix Houphouët-Boigny National Polytechnic Institute in Yamoussoukro and a master's in economic policy and development from the University of Auvergne in Clermont-Ferrand, France.
Outgoing Director General Dembélé Yacouba, who has been admitted to retirement, expressed satisfaction with his contribution to the development of Côte d'Ivoire's rice sector. He praised the efforts made during his tenure and welcomed Acka Éponou Valérie's appointment.
Beugré Toussaint, representing the Minister Delegate for Food Production, assured Acka Éponou Valérie of the government's support in achieving objectives in the rice sector. He emphasized the importance of collaboration between the agency and the government to ensure the success of initiatives aimed at enhancing food production and security.
With her extensive experience and expertise, Acka Éponou Valérie is expected to drive growth and development in Côte d'Ivoire's rice sector. Her appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen ADERIZ and enhance the country's food sovereignty and security.
Key points
- Acka Éponou Valérie has over 20 years of experience in agricultural and agri-food policies.
- The new Director General aims to enhance ADERIZ's performance and contribute to Côte d'Ivoire's food sovereignty.
- Acka Éponou Valérie holds degrees from the Félix Houphouët-Boigny National Polytechnic Institute and the University of Auvergne.
