The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Gabriel Mbairobe, has described the Rice Value Chain Development Project (RVCDP) as a critical pillar for youth empowerment and the future of Cameroon’s agricultural sector. He was speaking on Tuesday Dwcember 30, 2025, in Bamenda during the 6th Steering Committee meeting of the RVCDP, coupled with the send-forth ceremony of the first batch of Young Professional Interns and the handover of equipment to NOWERICA.
Presiding over the ceremony at the MINEPAT Hall, Up Station, Bamenda, the Minister, who also serves as Interim Minister of Tourism and Leisure and Chairperson of the RVCDP Steering Committee, praised the project’s strong focus on human capital development, describing it as “more than just a stepping stone, but a vital foundation for the careers of young professionals.”
Addressing the 15 outgoing interns, selected from over 148 applicants, the Minister underscored the importance of internships in bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world practice. He commended their resilience and dedication over nearly two years of intensive training under the RVCDP, supported by the Government of Cameroon and its financial partner, the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
“You are privileged and honoured to have been part of this initiative that emphasizes not only technical expertise, but also sustainable agriculture and community engagement,” the Minister said, urging the interns to reflect on the skills acquired, their contribution to the project’s objectives, and their preparedness to stand out in an increasingly competitive job market.
He also expressed gratitude to the Islamic Development Bank for investing in Cameroonian youth, noting that “the future of agriculture, and by extension the future of Cameroon, lies in your hands.” Special appreciation was extended to the RVCDP coordination team, supervisors, and experts for their commitment to mentoring and knowledge transfer.
Earlier, the National Coordinator of the Rice Value Chain Development Project, Muluh Gregory Nguh, described the ceremony as a landmark moment, marking the graduation of the first cohort of young professional interns since the project’s inception. He emphasized that internships under the RVCDP go beyond résumé building, equipping participants with practical skills, industry exposure, and professional discipline essential for national development.
“This program has provided you with the tools to tackle real-world challenges. It is now your responsibility to leverage these tools to build a sustainable future for yourselves and your communities,” Nguh told the graduates, encouraging them to become ambassadors of the RVCDP wherever their careers may lead.
Speaking on behalf of the outgoing interns, Choves Jesse Nkinyam expressed profound gratitude to the Government of Cameroon, the Islamic Development Bank, and the leadership of the RVCDP for the opportunity to undergo structured learning and institutional exposure over one year and nine months. He described the program as a strategic investment in human capital, stressing that Cameroon had not merely trained interns but strengthened future leaders for national development.
The event also featured the handing over of equipment to NOWERICA, reinforcing the project’s commitment to strengthening the rice value chain and boosting agricultural productivity, particularly in the North-West Region.
The Rice Value Chain Development Project, implemented with the support of the Islamic Development Bank, aims to enhance rice production, processing, and marketing in Cameroon while simultaneously building a skilled workforce capable of sustaining growth in the agricultural sector.
As the first batch of young professionals exits the program and a second cohort prepares to begin, stakeholders expressed optimism that the RVCDP will continue to play a transformative role in agriculture, youth employment, and national development.
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