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CORAF Executive Director bids farewell to outgoing AfricaRice Managing Director, Dr ROY-MACAULEY

After almost eight (08) years at the helm of AfricaRice, Dr Harold ROY-MACAULEY is stepping down. 

A congratulatory and farewell ceremony was held to celebrate his leadership and contributions to the AfricaRice mission on December 15, 2022, on the sidelines of the AfricaRice Science Week being held from December 14 to 16, 2022 at the AfricaRice research station in M'bé not far from Bouaké in Côte d'Ivoire.

On this occasion, CORAF's Executive Director, Dr Abdou TENKOUANO, paid tribute to the illustrious researcher, who, incidentally, was also CORAF's Executive Director from 2012 to 2014.

Below is Dr TENKOUANO's message in full.

Message from CORAF's Executive Director on the occasion of the farewell ceremony for AfricaRice's Managing Director, Dr Harold ROY-MACAULEY

Dear Dr ROY-MACAULEY, 

After joining AfricaRice in 2015 and making excellent contributions to achieving the goal of food security in Africa through the attainment of self-sufficiency in rice -which is a staple food across the continent, you are about to leave. 

Nearly eight years have passed, filled with events, memories and, above all, achievements. 

An objective analysis of the scope of your work shows that by rolling out half of AfricaRice's previous Strategic Plan 2011 - 2020, and by initiating the new Strategic Plan, you have made a considerable contribution to reducing the gap between rice production and imports in Africa.

It's clear that you're leaving AfricaRice a substantial legacy, worthy of your reputation, just as you did at CORAF, where you were Executive Director, and at the other institutions you left your mark on. It's worth pointing out that, in your various roles, you have acquired in-depth knowledge of agricultural RD institutions in Africa. 

CORAF is delighted to have collaborated with AfricaRice in the implementation of several projects such as the GIRAV project, ABEE (through the Integrated Breeding Platform), PAIRED, and many others. CORAF has also benefited from AfricaRice's support and your leadership at several events, such as the West and Central Africa Agricultural Research Leaders Forum. 

On a personal note, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank and congratulate the warm, dynamic and dedicated friend that you are.

Dear Harold,

It's always been an honor to collaborate with you since I've known you personally.

You'll understand, then, from all the foregoing, that I'm feeling a little mixed up at the moment.

I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate your successor and wish him every success in his new role. I remain convinced that AfricaRice will continue its collaboration with CORAF and all the other institutions in Africa, to achieve the common objectives of food and nutritional security, and poverty reduction.

Dear Colleague, Dear Friend,

I wish you all the best for the future of your personal and professional life, under the guidance and protection of the Almighty.

Dr Abdou TENKOUANO

CORAF Executive Director