By Ken Koutchakpo
AfricaRice, in collaboration with GIZ’s Market-Oriented Value Chains for Jobs and Growth in the ECOWAS Region (MOVE) project and other regional partners, has announced the second session of the maiden Rice Master Training Programme (RMTP), taking place from Monday, April 28 to Saturday, May 3, 2025, in Côte d’Ivoire.
This session marks a major step forward in a bold effort to boost the competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of the rice sector across the ECOWAS region.
The RMTP is a seven-month training initiative designed to build a pool of highly skilled rice professionals equipped to champion transformation in the rice value chain. Ninety (90) rice experts from across the region are participating in the programme, which is structured around three intensive training sessions and intersession assignments.
These assignments allow participants to return to their institutions and apply what they have learned, ensuring that the knowledge and skills acquired have a practical impact on the community and national levels.
The second session builds on the foundation laid during the first and dives deeper into key thematic areas such as soil health and water management, integrated pest management, environmental and social safeguards in rice production, and modern rice milling techniques.
The training combines technical instruction with business and leadership development, giving participants the tools they need to improve production, manage operations, analyse markets, and implement innovative business strategies.
The collaborative and regional nature of the training fosters strong connections among participants from different ECOWAS countries, encouraging the exchange of best practices and the building of professional networks that will serve the rice sector long after the training ends.
Dr. Baboucarr Manneh, Director General of AfricaRice, emphasized the transformative nature of the programme.
“There is a tremendous need for training African farmers. This Master Training Programme marks a pivotal step in transforming Africa’s rice value chain. By investing in knowledge, we empower farmers and entrepreneurs to drive food security, economic growth, and sustainable development across the continent. We are proud to be part of a joint effort that equips rice experts to unlock Africa’s immense potential to achieve rice self-sufficiency,” he said.
Facilitators and subject matter experts continuously adapt the programme based on participant feedback and evolving industry needs. This ensures that the training remains relevant, responsive, and impactful. The programme’s participatory and practice-oriented nature guarantees that each participant leaves not only with enhanced knowledge but also with the confidence and capability to apply it.
As the second session of the Rice Master Training Programme unfolds in Côte d’Ivoire, it symbolizes more than a training event—it is a cornerstone in the journey toward a self-reliant and thriving rice industry in West Africa. With the support of its partners and the commitment of its participants, RMTP is laying the groundwork for a new generation of rice leaders to drive inclusive growth, innovation, and prosperity across the region.
