Governor Malam Umar Namadi is currently in Cairo, Arab Republic of Egypt, attending the Third High-Level Ministerial Meeting on Rice Self-Sufficiency, which is taking place from October 7th to 9th, 2025, in Cairo and Sakha. The meeting is themed “Towards Rice-Based Agri-Food Systems Transformation and Delivering on Rice Self-Sufficiency through Peer-to-Peer Learning: The Case of the Arab Republic of Egypt.” It is jointly organised by the Egyptian Ministry of Agriculture and Land Reclamation, AfricaRice, the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD), and other key continental partners.
The high-level gathering brings together African Ministers of Agriculture, State Governors, and agricultural leaders to share practical experiences on how to achieve rice self-sufficiency and promote agricultural transformation across the continent. The event highlights Egypt’s remarkable progress in attaining rice self-sufficiency despite limited water and land resources, serving as a model for other African nations aiming for sustainable food production and agricultural innovation.
Governor Namadi is attending alongside top policymakers, agricultural experts, and private sector representatives from different African countries. Discussions focus on innovations, policy reforms, and strategic investments designed to boost food security and transform Africa’s agricultural sector. Over the three-day programme, participants will take part in ministerial sessions, technical discussions, and a field visit to Egypt’s Rice Research and Training Centre (RRTC) in Sakha.
During the visit, delegates will meet Egyptian scientists and farmers to learn about advancements in high-yield rice varieties, efficient irrigation systems, and modern post-harvest technologies. According to organisers, “Egypt’s progress provides a unique opportunity for African countries to adapt tested methods and scale up local rice production to achieve national and regional food security goals.”
Jigawa State’s participation in this important event reflects the state’s ongoing commitment to agricultural development, food self-sufficiency, and consolidating its position as one of Nigeria’s major hubs for rice production and agribusiness growth. The meeting is expected to conclude with a Ministerial Declaration outlining a continental roadmap to achieve rice self-sufficiency through research, policy coordination, and targeted investment across the rice value chain. Governor Namadi is accompanied by senior officials from the Jigawa State Ministry of Agriculture and related agencies.