Dr. Promise Ojukwu Hall, APDC HQ. - Yesterday, Saturday, 21st June, 2025, The Centre hosted Dr Sali Atanga Ndindeng, a Grain quality and post-harvest Technology Scientist, Regional Rice Sector Development Program Leader, and Head of Programmes at the AfricaRice Centre in Cotê d’Ivoire. The visit was aimed at holding strategic discussions with The Centre for institutional development and exploring potential areas of collaboration.

In the closed-door session with the management team of The Centre led by Mr. Maaruf Yakub, the Director of Programmes, Policy and Partnerships, comprehensive strategies were mapped out to enhance APDC's operational effectiveness and continental reach across three major areas: First, transforming the Centre's enterprises into more dynamic, self-sustaining, and income-generating units to ensure financial sustainability. Second, establishing robust knowledge exchange initiatives between innovation hubs like APDC and other continental partners to forge mutual growth and amplify impact across Africa. Third, developing enhanced facility-sharing initiatives with alumni of our programmes, creating a robust network that extends The Centre's reach and influence beyond initial training interventions.

Following the strategic discussions, Dr. Sali undertook a comprehensive tour of our training and urban farming demonstration facilities, expertly led by Mr. Maaruf, alongside senior members of the management team.

Dr. Sali expressed profound appreciation for APDC's innovative approach to agricultural development and capacity building, noting the impressive growth and expansion of The Centre since his last visit. His visit reinforced the potential for strategic collaboration between the AfricaRice Centre and APDC in advancing sustainable agricultural practices and post-harvest technologies across the continent.

This engagement marks another milestone in APDC's commitment to building strategic partnerships that drive agricultural transformation and food security initiatives throughout Africa. The Centre looks forward to exploring concrete collaboration opportunities that will benefit Nutripreneurs, Fashionistas, Agriprenuers, and youths and women across the region.