The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reaffirmed its commitment to developing rice farming during the 34th ordinary session of the AfricaRice Council of Ministers, held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, from November 4th to 6th. According to a statement from the Minister's office, the DRC's Minister of Higher and University Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, Marie-Thérèse Sombo, highlighted the country's efforts to strengthen African rice farming development. The DRC has been holding the rotating presidency of the AfricaRice Council of Ministers since the beginning of 2026.
Minister Sombo has been chairing the proceedings of the 34th ordinary session of the Council of Ministers, which specializes in scientific research, rice farming development, and agricultural capacity-building. The meeting's theme, "Strengthening the Competitiveness and Marketing of Rice Produced in Africa," provides a strategic opportunity for the DRC to build on adopted resolutions to revitalize the National Institute for Agronomic Studies and Research (INERA) and promote the national rice sector. The DRC aims to harness national potential and strengthen food security through its participation.
The AfricaRice Council of Ministers is a pan-African center that aims to improve rice farming in Africa through scientific research and capacity-building. The 34th ordinary session brings together ministers from various African countries to discuss strategies for enhancing rice competitiveness and marketing. The DRC's commitment to rice farming development is expected to have a positive impact on the country's food security and agricultural sector.
Minister Sombo was accompanied by the Secretary-General for Scientific Research, the Director-General of INERA, and their experts. The DRC's participation in the AfricaRice Council of Ministers is expected to promote African scientific cooperation and agricultural transformation. The country's efforts to strengthen rice farming development align with its goal of achieving food security and self-sufficiency.
The 34th ordinary session of the AfricaRice Council of Ministers provides a platform for African countries to share knowledge, expertise, and best practices in rice farming development. The meeting is expected to yield concrete resolutions and strategies for improving rice competitiveness and marketing in Africa. The DRC's commitment to rice farming development is a significant step towards achieving the country's agricultural goals.
The National Institute for Agronomic Studies and Research (INERA) plays a crucial role in the DRC's agricultural sector. The institute is responsible for conducting research and providing training in agronomy, animal husbandry, and agricultural engineering. The DRC's efforts to revitalize INERA and strengthen agricultural research are expected to have a positive impact on the country's agricultural sector.
The DRC's commitment to rice farming development is part of a broader strategy to achieve food security and self-sufficiency. The country's participation in the AfricaRice Council of Ministers reflects its efforts to collaborate with other African countries and international organizations to address agricultural challenges. The DRC's pledge to develop rice farming is expected to have a positive impact on the country's food security and agricultural sector.
Key points
- The DRC has reaffirmed its commitment to developing rice farming during the 34th ordinary session of the AfricaRice Council of Ministers.
- The DRC aims to harness national potential and strengthen food security through its participation in the AfricaRice Council of Ministers.
- The 34th ordinary session of the AfricaRice Council of Ministers provides a platform for African countries to share knowledge, expertise, and best practices in rice farming development.
