Prime Minister Dr. Justin Nsengiyumva has challenged graduates of the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture (RICA) to apply their knowledge to build solutions that tackle hunger, boost productivity, and improve livelihoods. Speaking at the September 19, 2025 ceremony where 83 students received their Bachelor’s degrees, he said graduates must become catalysts for change in the nation’s agricultural transformation.

Highlighting Rwanda’s second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2), Dr. Nsengiyumva noted the government’s goal to increase crop yields by 50% in order to ensure food security, achieve self-sufficiency, and grow exports. He emphasized that RICA graduates, trained in conservation and sustainable farming, are central to achieving these ambitions.

The Prime Minister also paid tribute to Howard Graham Buffett, founder and CEO of RICA, for his visionary leadership and partnership with Rwanda. With strong support from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, RICA continues to equip the next generation of agricultural leaders with the skills and dedication to drive sustainable growth in Rwanda and inspire change globally.