On October 7, 2026, in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Thérèse Kayikwamba Wagner, received Dr. Komi Kouma Mokpokpo Fiabe, the new Representative of the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in the country. Dr. Fiabe presented his Letters of Cabinet to the Minister, marking the beginning of his tenure. This meeting was confirmed by a communiqué from the Congolese Press Agency.
The discussions between Minister Wagner and Dr. Fiabe focused on strengthening cooperation between the DR Congo and IITA. The areas of collaboration include agricultural research, innovation, improving productivity, and enhancing food security. This partnership aligns with the Congolese government's priorities to harness the country's agricultural potential, promote sustainable agriculture, and improve the livelihoods of its citizens.
The IITA is an international organization that works to improve agriculture and food systems in tropical regions. In the DR Congo, the institute aims to contribute to the country's agricultural development by providing technical assistance, conducting research, and promoting innovative agricultural practices. Dr. Fiabe's appointment is expected to bolster these efforts.
The DR Congo has significant agricultural potential, with vast arable land and diverse agro-ecological zones. However, the sector faces numerous challenges, including low productivity, limited access to markets, and inadequate infrastructure. The partnership with IITA is expected to help address these challenges and unlock the country's agricultural potential.
Minister Wagner emphasized the importance of this cooperation in achieving the government's objectives for the agricultural sector. By working together, the DR Congo and IITA can develop and implement effective strategies to improve agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and promote sustainable agriculture practices.
The meeting between Minister Wagner and Dr. Fiabe marks a significant milestone in the DR Congo's efforts to strengthen its agricultural sector. The country's agriculture ministry has been working to revitalize the sector, with a focus on improving crop yields, increasing access to markets, and promoting agricultural innovation.
The cooperation between the DR Congo and IITA is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of Congolese citizens, particularly small-scale farmers and rural communities. By improving agricultural productivity and food security, this partnership can contribute to poverty reduction, economic growth, and improved livelihoods in the country.
Key points
- DR Congo's Foreign Minister receives IITA's new Representative to boost agricultural cooperation.
