AfricaRice and MOVE Launch Inaugural Rice Master Training Programme

AfricaRice, in collaboration with The Market-Oriented Value Chain for Jobs and Growth in the ECOWAS Region (MOVE) project, has successfully launched the first edition of the Rice Master Training Programme (RMTP). The inaugural session took place from January 27 to February 1, 2025, in Sunyani, Ghana, marking a significant step toward strengthening technical expertise and fostering regional collaboration within the rice value chain.

Designed with a focus on sustainability, innovation and practical application, the RMTP equips value chain actors with essential skills to enhance rice production, processing and marketing—ultimately driving agricultural growth in the region.

The opening ceremony featured esteemed speakers, including Mr. Florian Johannes Winckler (Project Leader - GIZ/MOVE), Mr. Patrick Dela Newman (Acting Bono Regional Director of Agriculture - MoFA), Dr. Baboucarr Manneh (Director General - AfricaRice) and Dr. Solomon Gyan Ansah (Director of Crop Service - MoFA). This was followed by dynamic plenary sessions covering key topics such as rice value chain development, self-sufficiency, market strategies, training material development, milling machine selection, and adult training facilitation skills. A highlight of the program was a field visit to a modern rice milling factory, allowing participants to experience industry best practices firsthand.

The maiden session brought together 81 participants (40 women and 41 men) from seven West African countries, fostering regional collaboration and knowledge sharing:

Benin (1)
Burkina Faso (8)
Côte d’Ivoire (17)
Ghana (29)
Nigeria (18)
Senegal (5)
Sierra Leone (3)

By building a network of skilled professionals, the Rice Master Training Program is set to strengthen the rice sector across West Africa, promoting food security and economic growth in the region.