By: Mamajah Jalloh
The Management and Staff of the Sierra Leone Agricultural Research Institute (SLARI) have congratulated Dr. Henry Musa Kpaka, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, on his appointment as Chairman of the Council of Ministers of AfricaRice.
Dr. Kpaka’s appointment was confirmed during the 34th Ordinary Session of the AfricaRice Council of Ministers, held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.
In a congratulatory statement issued on Monday, 9 November 2026, SLARI described the appointment as a testament to Dr. Kpaka’s visionary leadership and commitment to agricultural transformation, food security and sustainable development in Sierra Leone and across Africa.
The institute further described the appointment as a proud moment for Sierra Leone, noting that it reflects the country’s growing influence in shaping Africa’s agricultural research and development agenda.
SLARI said the achievement holds particular significance for the institute, as it provides an opportunity to strengthen its longstanding partnership with AfricaRice in advancing rice research and technology development in Sierra Leone.
The institute also noted that Dr. Kpaka’s appointment presents an opportunity to deepen collaboration among AfricaRice, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, and SLARI in support of the Government’s Feed Salone Initiative.
SLARI concluded by wishing Dr. Kpaka a successful and impactful tenure, expressing confidence that his leadership would contribute meaningfully to agricultural development in Sierra Leone and across the African continent.