Muhammad Ibrahim elected new head of IICA, promises to work across the board for Caribbean region and Latin America

Muhammad Ibrahim of Guyana has been elected as the new Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), set to serve from 2026 to 2030.

Confirmed during the 23rd Regular Meeting of the Inter-American Board of Agriculture (IABA), the organization’s top governing body, which was organized by the Brazilian government and held in Brasília, the decision was made through a majority vote by the Agriculture ministers from across the Americas.

An IICA release said that in the race for the leadership position, Ibrahim faced competition from Fernando Mattos of Uruguay. It also shared that following the announcement, Mattos extended his congratulations to Ibrahim, acknowledging his achievement.

Ibrahim expressed gratitude and emphasized a collaborative future, stating, “We will work together with all countries of the Americas to forge a path of cooperation. I am honored and grateful to have been elected to lead this great institution. I recognize the commendable work carried out by Director General Manuel Otero.”

An agricultural engineer by training, Ibrahim brings over three decades of experience in international agricultural management. As per the release, his career has been dedicated to fostering networks that enhance productivity and resilience in the region’s agricultural sector. He was proposed for the role of IICA’s Director General by the government of Guyana, reflecting his reputation as a seasoned leader in the field.

Ibrahim said he is committed to focusing on research and innovative technologies to boost agriculture across the Americas. He has pledged to prioritize efforts that support sustainable growth and strengthen food security. His leadership will officially begin on January 15, during a ceremony at IICA’s headquarters in San José, Costa Rica, where he will succeed Manuel Otero, whose term started in 2018 and was extended through reelection in 2021.