By : Gbenga Akinfenwa.

• As second session of RMTP begins
Industry players in Africa’s rice industry are advancing moves towards laying the groundwork for a new generation of leaders to drive inclusive growth, innovation, and prosperity across the region.

One of such moves is the announcement of the second session of the maiden Rice Master Training Programme (RMTP), in Côte d’Ivoire, which marks a major step forward in a bold effort to boost the competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of the rice sector across the ECOWAS region.
 
Courtesy of AfricaRice, in collaboration with GIZ’s Market-Oriented Value Chains for Jobs and Growth in the ECOWAS Region (MOVE) project and other regional partners, 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 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 practical impact on the community and national levels. 

The organisers say 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.

They added that the training combines technical instruction with business and leadership development, giving participants the tools they need to not only improve production but also to manage operations, analyze 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.

The Director General of AfricaRice, Dr. Baboucarr Manneh, who emphasised the transformative nature of the programme, said 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.”
 
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 participatory and practice-oriented nature of the programme guarantees that each participant leaves not only with enhanced knowledge, but also with the confidence and capability to apply it.

The organisers noted that as the second session of the programme unfolds in Côte d’Ivoire, it symbolises 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.”

Published Date: May 14, 2025