Muhammad Ibrahim of Guyana has been elected as the new Director General of the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA), marking a significant milestone in regional agricultural leadership. The decision was finalized during the 23rd Regular Meeting of the Inter-American Board of Agriculture (IABA), held in Brasília, Brazil, and attended by Agriculture ministers from across the Americas. Ibrahim secured the position through a majority vote, defeating Fernando Mattos of Uruguay, who graciously congratulated him on his victory.
In his acceptance speech, Ibrahim expressed deep gratitude and outlined his vision for collaborative progress. ‘We will work together with all countries of the Americas to forge a path of cooperation,’ he stated. ‘I am honored and grateful to have been elected to lead this great institution and recognize the commendable work carried out by outgoing Director General Manuel Otero.’
With over three decades of experience as an agricultural engineer, Ibrahim has dedicated his career to enhancing productivity and resilience in the agricultural sector. His nomination by the government of Guyana underscores his reputation as a seasoned leader in international agricultural management. Ibrahim has pledged to prioritize research, innovative technologies, and sustainable growth to strengthen food security across the Americas.
His leadership will officially commence on January 15, 2026, during a ceremony at IICA’s headquarters in San José, Costa Rica. He will succeed Manuel Otero, whose tenure began in 2018 and was extended through reelection in 2021. Ibrahim’s election signals a new era of cooperation and innovation for IICA, as it continues to address the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural landscape of the Americas.