Côte d’Ivoire has called for greater competitiveness and improved marketing of African-produced rice to reduce the continent’s reliance on imports and strengthen food security.

The appeal was made on Wednesday by Higher Education and Scientific Research Minister Adama Diawara, representing Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé, at the opening of the 34th ordinary session of the Ministerial Council of the Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) in Abidjan.

Held under the theme “Strengthening the Competitiveness and Marketing of African-produced Rice,” the meeting brings together representatives of member states, research institutions, development partners, private-sector companies and farmers’ organizations. Zimbabwe is the guest country of honour.

Diawara said increasing rice production alone would not guarantee adequate incomes for farmers. He stressed the need to make quality African rice more accessible to consumers at affordable prices while ensuring sustainable earnings for all participants in the value chain.

The minister also highlighted the role of scientific research in developing rice varieties suited to local conditions, improving water and soil management, and tackling crop diseases and the effects of climate change.

He called for stronger cooperation between AfricaRice, universities, research centres and private-sector stakeholders to support the development of the continent’s rice industry.

Côte d’Ivoire, a founding member of AfricaRice and host of its headquarters and M’bé research station, intends to strengthen this cooperation through its 2026–2030 National Development Plan, particularly in agricultural modernisation and the practical application of research findings.

The session will also examine AfricaRice’s institutional strategy for the 2027–2035 period.