From November 6 to 7, the Guinean Export Promotion Agency AGUIPEX organized the international forum on fonio in Conakry. The objective is to promote the mobile sector with the theme fonio, grain of the future. The forum brought together national and international experts, fonio producers and processors. These industry players displayed fonio in stalls of all kinds, raw, pounded, biscuits, bread and other types of food. During the organized panels, of which several themes were discussed, the panels not only recommended this cereal which can be changed as needed, but they also requested the participation of the State so that fonio would be labelled.
Amadou Daff Baldé, director general, indicated that Guinea is the main producer of fonio in the world with 600,000 tons per year, or 70% of the world’s production. Fonio, a traditional cereal very rich in nutrients, is our white gold. But, in the effective implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, it can only remain so if we actively invest in transformation and partnerships with other countries to achieve a sub-regional or even regional value chain. The director of Aguipex believes that this forum is an opportunity for us to share knowledge, experience and visions regarding the development of the fonio sector in Guinea. We will explore the production, processing and export possibilities of this product, as well as the challenges we face. »
Present at the launch ceremony, Trade Minister Diaka Sidibé pointed out that the forum was held in a global context marked by growing socio-economic challenges related to food crises, but above all it provides a valuable opportunity to exchange exemplary practices around fonio, explore. new markets and emphasizing Guinean know-how in the sector. The theme of our forum is, “Fonio, the grain of the future», it shows the importance of the ancestral cereal, which is widely cultivated in West Africa. From a nutritional point of view, fonio has an exceptional value: rich in nutrients, gluten-free, it is a valuable alternative to improve the health of our populations.
Ibn Adama
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Interview: The Future of Fonio and Guinea’s Role in Global Food Security
Editor: Welcome, and thank you for joining us, Amadou Daff Baldé, the Director General of the Guinean Export Promotion Agency AGUIPEX. You’re here post the International Forum on Fonio, which took place in Conakry. Could you start by defining fonio and explaining why it’s referred to as “the grain of the future”?
Amadou Daff Baldé: Thank you for having me. Fonio is a traditional West African cereal that is both nutrient-rich and gluten-free, making it a valuable addition to our diets—especially for those with gluten sensitivities. It’s termed “the grain of the future” due to its resilience in arid conditions and its potential to contribute significantly to food security, particularly in regions affected by climate change. With its high nutritional content, fonio offers not just a food source but also an economic opportunity for farmers.
Editor: Speaking of economic opportunities, the forum emphasized the need for investment in the transformation and export of fonio. Can you elaborate on the transformation process and why it’s critical for Guinea?
Amadou Daff Baldé: Absolutely. While Guinea produces about 600,000 tons of fonio annually — accounting for 70% of global production — most of it is sold as raw grains. Investing in processing allows us to create value-added products such as fonio-based biscuits, bread, and salads. This not only opens up new markets but also enhances the livelihoods of farmers, contributing to rural development. A strong local industry can help establish Guinea as a leader in the fonio market.
Editor: It sounds like partnerships play a crucial role in this development. What kind of collaborations are being anticipated, especially with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) coming into play?
Amadou Daff Baldé: Partnerships are indeed vital. The AfCFTA provides a framework for regional cooperation that can enhance our production and processing capabilities. We are looking at forming alliances with producers in other African nations, sharing best practices, and creating a solid value chain that can enhance our competitiveness on the global stage. This could lead to joint ventures in processing and marketing fonio, further solidifying its status as a staple in international markets.
Editor: That brings us to the role of the government. Trade Minister Diaka Sidibé indicated the government’s involvement is crucial. How exactly does the state plan to engage with fonio producers?
Amadou Daff Baldé: The government’s participation is critical for the labeling and branding of fonio products. By promoting “Fonio Made in Guinea,” we aim to create a recognizable quality that can stand out in the global market. The government will also provide support through training programs for producers, facilitating access to funding, and helping establish cooperatives that can better manage resources and distribution.
Editor: The forum highlighted fonio’s potential not only in nutrition but also in improving rural livelihoods. How does fonio cultivation contribute to the economic empowerment of farmers?
Amadou Daff Baldé: Fonio is a resilient crop that can thrive in less than ideal conditions. This means that farmers in remote or arid areas can cultivate it successfully. By encouraging more farmers to adopt fonio cultivation, we’re providing them with a reliable cash crop that boosts their income and improves their living standards. When farmers earn more, it helps the entire community grow, fostering sustainable local development and reducing poverty.
Editor: Lastly, what are the next steps for the fonio sector in Guinea following the successful forum?
Amadou Daff Baldé: The next steps include mobilizing stakeholders to establish cooperatives, enhancing training for farmers in best practices, and actively working on marketing strategies for fonio products. We want to ensure that Guinean fonio gains visibility and recognition globally. Moreover, we are committed to exploring innovative processing techniques to diversify the range of fonio products available. this forum has ignited a collaborative spirit, and I am optimistic about the future of fonio in Guinea.
Editor: Thank you, Amadou, for sharing your insights and for the exciting developments on fonio. We’re looking forward to seeing how these strategies unfold in the coming years.
Amadou Daff Baldé: Thank you for having me. Together, we can make fonio a shining example of Guinea’s agricultural potential.