CGIAR System Organization - Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers
CGIAR System Organization - Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers
09/16/2025 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/16/2025 14:44
AfricaRice DG Baboucarr Manneh and Aliko Dangote Discuss Pathways to Africa’s Rice Self-Sufficiency
September 13, 2025, Lagos, Nigeria - Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) Director General Dr. Baboucarr Manneh met with Aliko Dangote, President and Chief Executive of Dangote Industries Limited, to explore strategic opportunities for strengthening Africa's rice sector. The high-level audience focused on exploring collaborative opportunities and innovative approaches to accelerate rice sector development across the African continent. The discussions centered on leveraging public-private partnerships to strengthen the agricultural ecosystem through the scaling of proven technologies developed by AfricaRice and other CGIARCenters. The visit followed the historic signing of a partnership agreement between AfricaRice and Niger State to provide technical support to produce 10 million tons of rice by 2030 and a landmark N1.8 trillion agreement between Dangote Rice Limited, a subsidiary of Dangote Industries with Niger Foods Security Systems and Logistics Company Limited, owned by the Niger State Government.
Rice serves as a staple food for approximately 750 million people across Africa, yet the continent faces a critical production shortfall that threatens food security. Current data reveals a stark reality: Africa produces only 23.6 million tons of milled rice annually while consuming 40.8 million tons, creating a devastating 17.2 million ton deficit. Nigeria, Africa's most populous nation, mirrors this continental challenge with domestic rice production falling significantly short of national demand. This widening gap between what Africa grows and what Africa needs has created dangerous over-dependence on costly food imports. As population growth accelerates and climate change intensifies, closing Africa's rice production gap has become urgent for achieving food sovereignty, economic stability, and feeding the continent's future.
Discussions between Aliko Dangote and AfricaRice's delegation focused on accelerating adoption of AfricaRice's breakthrough climate-smart rice varieties, expanding the innovative Smart-Valley approach for sustainable inland valley development, and implementing cutting-edge agronomic practices including solar-powered irrigation systems, integrated rice-fish farming, and water-efficient Alternate Wetting and Drying (AWD) techniques. Key discussions also centered on scaling climate-resilient post-harvest solutions such as the Mini-GEM parboiling technology and replicating high-impact value chain models, including the successful seed scaling framework developed under the Technologies for African Agricultural Transformation (TAAT)program.
"Africa is richly endowed with arable land. With the right policies, adequate investment, and the adoption of modern technology, farmers can significantly increase their yields and return on investment," said Aliko Dangote, Founder of Dangote Group, highlighting his Group commitment to scaling agricultural technologies across Africa. "With effective policy frameworks and technological advancement, Africa can achieve food security and become self-sufficient. Investing in agriculture will also unlock growth across various sectors of the economy, " Dangote added.
Unlocking Africa's Rice Production Potential: A Call for Coordinated Action
The potential for transformative change in Africa's rice sector is undeniable, but realizing this vision requires coordinated action from key stakeholders across the continent. Policymakers, research and development organizations, and private sector partners must unite to capitalize on emerging opportunities that could revolutionize rice production and food security across Africa.
Strategic public-private partnerships are already demonstrating remarkable success, with initiatives like the Niger State-Niger Foods-Dangote Group collaboration serving as a powerful model for scaling rice production. Meanwhile, high-capacity integrated mills across several African countries are operating below capacity due to insufficient paddy supply, presenting immediate opportunities for increased local production and value chain development.
The agricultural landscape shows tremendous promise for yield improvements, particularly through strategic fertilizer application programs that could significantly boost productivity per hectare. This potential is further amplified by the readiness of major development partners, including the Gates Foundation, to co-finance large-scale investments in sustainable rice production systems.
"It's a real privilege to have this audience with Mr. Aliko Dangote. This is concrete proof of AfricaRice's solid vision to make Africa rice self-sufficient by leveraging different partnership models, including with the private sector," highlighted Dr. Baboucarr Manneh, Director General of AfricaRice.
During the official visit to Nigeria, AfricaRice leadership toured the Dangote Fertilizer Plant, Africa's largest granulated urea fertilizer complex spanning 500 hectares in Lagos's Lekki Free Trade Zone. The visit opened promising avenues for collaboration between AfricaRice and Dangote Industries to boost sustainable rice cultivation and improve nutrition security throughout Africa.
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