H.E. Marie-Noëlle Koyara

H.E. Marie-Noëlle Koyara

H.E. Marie-Noëlle Koyara is a former Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of the Central African Republic, and a highly respected leader in agricultural innovation, governance, and public service. With a career spanning multiple sectors, she has played a pivotal role in transforming agriculture, rebuilding institutions, and advocating for peace and sustainable development within her country and across Africa.

She holds a degree in agricultural engineering from the Higher Institute of Rural Development of Mbaïki and has pursued further specialization in international negotiation, conflict management, and agribusiness through world-renowned institutions such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the University of Turin.

Throughout her extensive public service career, H.E. Koyara has held several high-level government positions, including Minister of State for Agriculture, Minister of State for Public Works, and Minister of Defense. In her defense role, she led the complex task of restructuring and rebuilding the national army while supporting reintegration programs for veterans. She also served as a senior advisor to the Head of State, offering expert guidance on agriculture and livestock.

A champion of food security, she has been instrumental in driving the national “Zero Hunger” strategy in collaboration with the World Food Programme. Her efforts in agricultural project design, rural empowerment, and value chain development—particularly in the cotton and staple food sectors—have had lasting impacts across the region.

Dedicated to inclusive leadership, she founded the Central African Widows Association to support women’s social and economic inclusion, and has worked tirelessly to advance gender equity in development. Her influence extends internationally, having chaired negotiation committees with armed groups and represented the Central African Republic in numerous global peace and security forums.

Fluent in French, English, and Portuguese, H.E. Koyara is a trusted voice in international cooperation and development. Her legacy as a visionary leader continues to inspire progress in agriculture, peacebuilding, and social transformation across Africa.