Guyanese agronomist Muhammad Ibrahim has formally assumed office as Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), becoming the first Guyanese to lead the hemispheric agricultural body.

Ibrahim, who was elected to the post on November 4, 2025, took the oath of office during a ceremony attended by ministers and senior officials from more than 30 countries across the Americas on January 16. 

The event was held at IICA’s headquarters in Costa Rica, where outgoing Director General Manuel Otero officially handed over leadership of the institution.

In his inaugural address, Ibrahim pledged to serve all regions of the hemisphere, emphasising the need for science-based and inclusive agrifood systems.

“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, recognising that we need differentiated strategies for each region of the hemisphere.”

He added: “I promise to raise the bar of excellence of the Institute even more, to strengthen joint work with the countries and to close the gaps to ensure more sustainable agrifood systems. I will foster an environment in which collaboration, partnerships and technical capacities can flourish, guided by transparency, financial prudence and accountability.”

Ibrahim also paid tribute to his predecessor, noting that Otero’s tenure had positioned IICA as a benchmark institution for technical cooperation in agricultural and rural development.

Outgoing Director General Manuel Otero said it had been an honour to lead the organisation, describing IICA as “an institution with history, prestige and a future, that plays a critical role in transforming our countries.” 

He also underscored the institute’s focus on farmers and improving their quality of life.

The ceremony was witnessed by several high-level officials, including Costa Rica’s Vice-President Mary Munive Angermüller; Guyana’s Minister of Agriculture Zulfikar Mustapha; Brazil’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock Cleber Soares; and senior representatives from the United States and Argentina. Soares, who represented Brazil’s Minister of Agriculture and Chair of IICA’s governing body, administered the oath of office.

IICA operates in 34 countries across the Americas and plays a central role in supporting governments with the design and implementation of public policies aimed at boosting agricultural productivity, resilience and sustainability.

Speaking via video message from Georgetown, President of Guyana Mohamed Irfaan Ali congratulated Ibrahim and highlighted IICA’s importance to regional development.

“Agriculture is the backbone of rural prosperity. It stabilises our economy, which is why IICA plays such a vital role,” President Ali said. “I congratulate Muhammad Ibrahim and recognise IICA’s importance as a pillar for development and for strengthening partnerships to achieve a competitive, resilient and sustainable agriculture sector.”

Mustapha, who also chairs CARICOM’s Ministerial Task Force on Agriculture, described Ibrahim’s appointment as historic, noting that he is “the first Guyanese to lead this prestigious institution.” He said Ibrahim’s career reflects “the tremendous potential that exists in our region.”

Ibrahim brings extensive experience in agricultural development, international cooperation and public policy, having held leadership roles in academic institutions and international organisations. His appointment comes at a time when agriculture in the Americas faces mounting challenges related to productivity, innovation, food security and climate resilience.

Senior officials from across the Western Hemisphere also viewed the inauguration ceremony online, underscoring the regional significance of Ibrahim’s appointment.