Key Takeaways:
- IICA has officially appointed Muhammad Ibrahim as Director General for the 2026–2030 period.
- The inauguration ceremony was attended by ministers and senior officials from over 30 countries.
- Ibrahim pledged to serve all regions of the Americas with differentiated, science-based strategies.
- Outgoing Director General Manuel Otero highlighted the institution’s focus on farmers and rural development.
- Member States emphasized IICA’s role in agricultural productivity, resilience, and trade.
IICA Leadership Transition Marked by International Ceremony
Muhammad Ibrahim has formally assumed office as Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) for the 2026–2030 period. The inauguration ceremony, held at IICA’s headquarters in Costa Rica, was witnessed by ministers and senior officials from more than thirty countries across the Americas.
The ceremony included the participation of Mary Munive Angermüller, Vice-President of Costa Rica, senior officials from Costa Rica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and agriculture ministers and representatives from Guyana, Brazil, the United States, and Argentina. Outgoing Director General Manuel Otero formally handed over leadership of the institution to his successor.
Cleber Soares, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock of Brazil and representative of the Chair of IICA’s governing body, the Inter-American Board of Agriculture (IABA), administered the oath of office.
IICA’s Mandate and Ibrahim’s Background
IICA operates in 34 countries across the Americas and provides technical cooperation to governments to support agricultural productivity, resilience, and rural development. Ibrahim, a Guyanese agronomist, brings extensive experience in agricultural development, international cooperation, public policy, and academia.
“I accept this tremendous responsibility with gratitude, humility and a profound sense of purpose,” Ibrahim said. “I am going to be a Director General for all the Americas, recognizing that we need differentiated strategies for each region of the hemisphere.”
He also committed to strengthening collaboration with Member States and partners while emphasizing transparency, financial prudence, and accountability.
Reflections From Outgoing Leadership and Member States
Outgoing Director General Manuel Otero stated, “I had the honor of leading an institution with history, prestige and a future, that plays a critical role in transforming our countries,” while underscoring IICA’s focus on farmers and quality of life.
Representatives from Brazil, Argentina, the United States, and the Caribbean highlighted IICA’s role in science-based policymaking, international trade, and food security. A message from the U.S. government noted that IICA “delivers tangible results in the hemisphere, strengthening agrifood systems that support farmers and ranchers.”
Regional and International Support for IICA’s New Director General
Speaking via video message, Guyana’s President Mohamed Irfaan Ali described IICA as playing a “critical role” in agricultural development and congratulated Ibrahim on becoming the first Guyanese to lead the institution.
Zulfikar Mustapha, Guyana’s Minister of Agriculture, emphasized Ibrahim’s ability to integrate science, policy, and practice, describing it as essential leadership for addressing current agricultural and food security challenges facing the Americas.
