Gabon joins Africa Rice Center as member country

10 August 09, Cotonou, Benin – Gabon, which has one of the highest per capita rice consumption levels in the sub-region, has joined the Africa Rice Center (WARDA) as its 23rd member country.

One of the major objectives of the Government of Gabon is to boost domestic rice production and reduce rice imports.

Congratulating Gabon, Dr Papa Abdoulaye Seck, Director General of Africa Rice Center stated, “We are pleased that our member countries have approved the application of Gabon.”

Dr Seck added that since 2007, six countries have joined the Center (Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Gabon, Republic of Congo and Uganda.)

With the addition of these countries, the number of WARDA member countries has gone up from 17 to 23. “The Center’s membership now covers all regions of Africa,” Dr Seck said.

Africa Rice Center is an association of African member countries and one of the 15 international institutes supported by the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR).