Sierra Leone's Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, has been appointed Chairman of the AfricaRice Council of Ministers. The appointment was made at the 34th Ordinary Session in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. As Chairman, Dr. Kpaka will lead the 28-member governing body responsible for providing strategic oversight and direction for agricultural research across Africa. His appointment aims to strengthen the continent's rice sector and reduce dependence on imported rice.
Dr. Kpaka's appointment presents an opportunity to advance shared agricultural goals, including food security, job creation, and reduced dependence on imports. He stated that he accepted the position to lead great minds in achieving these goals. The appointment coincides with AfricaRice's implementation of its Institutional Strategy for 2027-2035, which aims to strengthen collaboration and develop competitive domestic rice markets across the continent.
In Sierra Leone, Dr. Kpaka's appointment aligns with the government's Feed Salone initiative, which seeks to achieve food self-sufficiency through investments in agricultural production, mechanization, and infrastructure. The country's domestic rice self-sufficiency has increased from 68 percent in 2023 to 73 percent in 2025. Dr. Kpaka is expected to lead ministerial discussions on technology development and cross-border agricultural cooperation among AfricaRice member states.
As Chairman of the AfricaRice Council of Ministers, Dr. Kpaka will play a crucial role in shaping the future of agriculture in Africa. The AfricaRice Council of Ministers is a governing body that provides strategic oversight and direction for agricultural research across Africa. The council comprises 28 member countries that work together to strengthen the continent's rice sector.
Dr. Kpaka's experience and expertise in agriculture will be invaluable in his new role as Chairman of the AfricaRice Council of Ministers. He has been instrumental in promoting agricultural development in Sierra Leone, and his appointment is expected to have a positive impact on the continent's agricultural sector. The appointment also reflects the confidence of AfricaRice member states in Dr. Kpaka's leadership abilities.
The AfricaRice Institutional Strategy for 2027-2035 aims to strengthen collaboration and develop competitive domestic rice markets across the continent. The strategy also seeks to improve the livelihoods of rice farmers and consumers in Africa. Dr. Kpaka's appointment is expected to contribute to the achievement of these goals.
Dr. Kpaka's leadership of the AfricaRice Council of Ministers is expected to have a lasting impact on the continent's agricultural sector. His commitment to advancing shared agricultural goals and reducing dependence on imports will be crucial in shaping the future of agriculture in Africa. The appointment is also a testament to Sierra Leone's growing influence in regional agricultural initiatives.
Key points
- Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka's appointment as Chairman of the AfricaRice Council of Ministers aims to advance shared agricultural goals, including food security and reduced dependence on imports.
