Guinea-Conakry’s Agriculture Ministry, Rio Tinto Sign MoU to Support Agropastoral Development

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock of Guinea-Conakry and mining company Rio Tinto have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch a partnership focused on agricultural and pastoral development along the Simandou corridor.

The signing ceremony brought together senior representatives including Félix Lamah, Minister of Agriculture and Livestock and Gérard Rheinberger, Simandou Project Director, Rio Tinto.

The agreement outlines a framework for collaboration to support the transformation of the agropastoral sector. It targets specific goals including the development of sustainable agricultural and agro-industrial projects, capacity building for farmers and value chain actors, integration of local producers into national and regional markets and the promotion of public-private partnerships in agro-industry.

As part of the agreement, Rio Tinto will provide technical assistance, mobilize financial partners, and work with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock to develop projects aimed at strengthening agricultural value chains and increasing productivity. A joint steering committee and technical monitoring team will oversee implementation and ensure transparency.

“Simandou is a catalytic project with the potential to accelerate Guinea’s economic development. The TransGuinean infrastructure is a key opportunity to boost sectors like agriculture,” said Rheinberger.

“Under the leadership of President Mamadi Doumbouya, we are committed to working with the private sector to support agropastoral communities,” added Minister Lamah.