Call for nominations: Outstanding Rice Entrepreneurs in Africa

The Third Africa Rice Congress brings together representatives from the public and private sector, civil society organizations, farmer associations and research and extension communities engaged in the development of Africa’s rice sector. This unique and pan-African event is organized by the Africa Rice Center (AfricaRice) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Government of Cameroon, and will have as its main theme: ‘Rice Science for Food Security through Smallholder and Agri-business Development in Africa’.

AfricaRice together with its partners is calling for nominations for Outstanding Rice Entrepreneurs in Africa. For this prestigious award, we are seeking applications from candidates that best meet the following criteria:

• Operating a profitable, small- or medium-sized business in the rice sector, e.g. seed production, manufacturing of agricultural machinery, rice processing (minimum of five years).

• Widely recognized as an innovator in his/her field of business.

• Evidence of sharing knowledge.

• Unique characteristics that make the business stand out among others e.g. in terms of sustainability and innovation, profitability, leadership, and/or social and economic impact on communities.

Nominations should be sent to ARC2013Secretariat@cgiar.org with copy to m.wopereispura@cgiar.org latest by 30 September 2013 (maximum of two pages).

Winners will be invited to attend the 3rd Africa Rice Congress, showcase their product(s) in the Congress exhibition space and will receive an award at the closing ceremony.