Dakar, Senegal – 3 September 2025 – On the margins of the Africa Food Systems Forum (AFSF) 2025, the Director General of the Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), H.E. Ambassador Berik Aryn, held a series of high-level bilateral meetings with key partners to advance cooperation on agricultural development and food security.
A constructive meeting was held with H.E. Dr. Mabouba Diagne, Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Senegal, where discussions focused on strengthening Senegal’s role as a hub for food security solutions in West Africa. The two sides exchanged views on best practices in rice cultivation, value chain development, and IOFS technical support to national strategies.
Ambassador Aryn also met with H.E. Mohamed Abdi Hayir, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation of the Federal Government of Somalia, to discuss opportunities for enhancing Somalia’s food security resilience through IOFS’s flagship initiatives. Both sides explored collaboration in capacity building, climate-resilient farming, and agricultural value chains, with an emphasis on youth and women empowerment.
During talks with H.E. Mr. Ezzeddine Ben Cheikh, Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Tunisia, the two sides discussed strengthening collaboration in agricultural modernization, irrigation efficiency, and technology-driven solutions to boost productivity and resilience in North Africa.
Ambassador Aryn also had a productive exchange with H.E. Mr. Bakary Yaou Sangaré, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Cooperation and Nigeriens Abroad of the Republic of Niger, as well as with Colonel Elhadji Ousmane Mahaman, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Niger, and Colonel Maïzama Abdoulaye, Minister of Environment, Hydraulics and Sanitation of Niger. The discussions highlighted the multidimensional food security challenges facing Niger and focused on strengthening cooperation in agricultural development, sustainable water management, and resilience-building against climate shocks.
The Director General met with Dr. Maxime Houinato, UN Regional Director for West and Central Africa, to explore synergies between IOFS programs and UN-led initiatives aimed at empowering rural communities, enhancing resilience, and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals in the region.
With Dr. Ismahane Elouafi, Executive Managing Director of the CGIAR System Organization (The Consortium of International Agricultural Research Centers), Ambassador Aryn explored joint opportunities in research, biotechnology, and innovation. The dialogue centered on linking CGIAR’s cutting-edge science with IOFS’s programs across Africa and the OIC region to accelerate climate-smart agriculture and sustainable food systems.
He also held talks with Dr. Sylvain Nafiba Ouedraogo, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS), to strengthen coordination with regional institutions in West Africa. The discussion emphasized knowledge exchange, regional integration, and support for smallholder farmers in building resilience against climate and market shocks.
IOFS further engaged with the World Food Programme (WFP), represented by Assistant Executive Director Ms. Rania Dagash, to reinforce cooperation on humanitarian food assistance and long-term resilience strategies. The meeting focused on aligning IOFS’s programs with WFP operations in OIC Member States, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected areas.
These sideline meetings reaffirm IOFS’s role as a convener and catalyst for partnerships across Africa and the wider OIC geography. By deepening ties with governments, research institutions, and regional organizations, IOFS continues to promote inclusive and innovative pathways toward food security.
