Sékou Ibrahim Barry Appointed to Lead Office du Niger, Boosting Food Sovereignty

Bamako, December 20, 2025 - Sékou Ibrahim Barry, an agricultural economist, has been appointed head of the Office du Niger, Mali’s key irrigation authority. His mandate focuses on modernizing 140,000 hectares of irrigated land and supporting local producers, advancing the government’s strategy for agricultural self-sufficiency and a resilient economy within the WAEMU framework.

Officials note that this move could increase rice production, reduce food imports, and promote inclusive growth. Analysts, however, caution that climate risks and ongoing security challenges may impede progress unless additional investments in infrastructure and technology are made.