The South Korean Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs officially inaugurated the K-Rice Belt project, which is aimed at enhancing rice production in Africa through the dissemination of Korean rice seeds and agricultural technology at the K-Rice Belt Agricultural Ministers’ Conference in Seoul. The event was attended by delegates from eight African countries and Kevin Urama, the deputy director of the African Development Bank. Minister Chung Hwang-keun vowed to devote efforts towards boosting Africa’s rice self-sufficiency.

During the conference, representatives from the eight participating African nations underscored the unique approach of the K-Rice Belt project, which aims to foster Africa’s rice production by leveraging South Korea’s experiences and technologies. Additionally, the ROK and the eight African nations signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a long-term international cooperation framework. Following this, a seminar was held to discuss world food security, Korea’s Official Development Assistance (ODA) in agriculture and strategies for the successful execution of the K-Rice Belt initiative.