IITA and the Government of Sierra Leone strengthen agricultural partnership during presidential visit

4 March 2025

PRESS RELEASE

Ibadan, 3 March 2025 – The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is hosting His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, during an official visit to IITA headquarters in Ibadan, Nigeria.

This visit highlights the strong collaboration between IITA/CGIAR and the Government of Sierra Leone in advancing agricultural transformation through the Feed Salone agenda.

LR - H.E. Dr Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone and H.E. Engr Oluwaseyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State
(L-R) H.E. Dr Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone and H.E. Engr Oluwaseyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State

During the visit, President Bio will engage with IITA/CGIAR leadership, scientists, policymakers, development and business partners to explore innovative solutions that support Sierra Leone’s agricultural development goals. IITA/CGIAR has been a key technical partner in implementing Feed Salone, a national program aimed at achieving food self-sufficiency, improving nutrition, and enhancing agricultural productivity in Sierra Leone.

“We are delighted to welcome President Bio and reaffirm our commitment to supporting Sierra Leone’s vision for a resilient and food-secure nation,” said Dr Simeon Ehui, IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Continental Africa.

Dr Simeon Ehui, IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Africa giving opening remarks.
Dr Simeon Ehui, IITA Director General and CGIAR Regional Director for Africa

“Our ongoing collaboration with the Sierra Leone Ministry of Agriculture is focused on scaling climate-smart agricultural technologies, strengthening research capacity, and empowering youth and farmers with innovative solutions.”

The Feed Salone agenda aligns with IITA’s mission to enhance agricultural productivity and ensure food security across Africa. Through joint research initiatives, capacity-building programs, and technology dissemination, IITA and the Government of Sierra Leone are working together to transform the country’s agricultural sector.

President Bio’s visit includes high-level discussions on expanding research partnerships, adopting cutting-edge agricultural technologies, and mobilizing resources to drive sustainable food production.

The visit also aims to strengthen the relationship between Sierra Leone and Nigeria in advancing regional agricultural cooperation and opening business opportunities in several value chains that include cassava, yam, banana/plantain, and rice.

“Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, and through our partnership with IITA and Nigeria, we are making strategic investments to enhance productivity and empower our farmers,” said Dr Henry Musa Kpaka, Minister of Agriculture of Sierra Leone.

“The Feed Salone agenda is a national priority, and we are committed to leveraging scientific innovations to achieve our food security goals,” said Dr Kpaka.

This visit marks a significant milestone in the partnership between IITA and Sierra Leone, reinforcing the shared commitment to agricultural transformation, economic growth, and improved livelihoods for millions of people.

About IITA (www.iita.org)

The International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) is a not-for-profit institution that generates agricultural innovations to meet Africa’s most pressing challenges of hunger, malnutrition, poverty, and natural resource degradation. Working with various partners across Africa, we improve livelihoods, enhance food and nutrition security, increase employment, and preserve natural resource integrity. IITA is a member of CGIAR, a global agriculture research partnership for a food-secure future.

For media inquiries, please contact:

IITA Communication
Katherine Lopez, k.lopez@cgiar.org

Government of Sierra Leone
Sheku Tanga, joyama972@gmail.com