Sierra Leone's Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, recently participated in the 34th Ordinary Session of the AfricaRice Council of Ministers in Abidjan. The meeting, held from 4 to 6 November 2026, brought together African ministers, researchers, and development partners to discuss strategies for accelerating rice production across the continent. The three-day event focused on strengthening agricultural research and innovation, as well as improving the competitiveness and commercial viability of locally produced rice.
The AfricaRice Council of Ministers is a pan-African agricultural research institution that works with 28 African countries, including Sierra Leone. The country's partnership with AfricaRice has led to the development of improved rice varieties, such as ROK 42 and ROK 43, which were officially released by President Julius Maada Bio in October 2025. The release of these varieties was a result of collaboration between the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI) and AfricaRice.
Sierra Leone has made progress in increasing its rice self-sufficiency, rising from 68 per cent in 2023 to 73 per cent in 2025. This achievement is attributed to the Feed Salone initiative, which aims to boost the country's agricultural sector. However, sustaining this progress will require continued investment in quality seeds, research, improved farming technologies, and market development.
The Abidjan meeting provided an opportunity for Sierra Leone to deepen its cooperation with AfricaRice, particularly in scaling up improved varieties, expanding seed production, building research capacity, and increasing farmers' access to proven technologies. The engagement also strengthens the connection between regional research and Sierra Leone's agricultural priorities.
The meeting supports Sierra Leone's ambition to increase rice self-sufficiency, reduce reliance on imports, and build a more productive, resilient, and competitive rice industry under Feed Salone. The country's participation in the AfricaRice Council of Ministers demonstrates its commitment to regional cooperation and agricultural development.
SLARI's participation in the meeting also highlights the importance of collaboration between national research institutions and regional organizations. By working together, Sierra Leone and other African countries can leverage knowledge, expertise, and resources to address common challenges in the agricultural sector.
The 34th AfricaRice Council Meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to accelerating rice production and improving food security in Africa. As Sierra Leone continues to implement its Feed Salone initiative, the country's agricultural sector is expected to benefit from the knowledge and partnerships forged during the meeting.
Key points
- Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka joins African ministers in Abidjan to discuss rice production
- Sierra Leone's rice self-sufficiency rises from 68 per cent in 2023 to 73 per cent in 2025
- The meeting supports Sierra Leone's ambition to increase rice self-sufficiency and build a more productive rice industry
