Council Training Course Builds Corn Co-Product Capacity in Senegal

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The U.S. Grains & BioProducts Council (USGBC) has concluded its second train-the-trainers program in Senegal, aimed at strengthening technical expertise and building long-term capacity within the country’s feed and poultry sectors.

The session brought together poultry producers and feed manufacturers in a hands-on format designed to expand skills and improve production practices. Trainers previously certified in Tunisia selected 70 qualified participants and identified two key regions to serve as operational hubs for future activities.

USGBC Regional Director for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) Ramy H. Taieb, Deputy Regional Director for Africa Mohamed Salah Bouthour, and Consultant for Senegal Daouda Guindo attended the program, which covered topics such as economic management, monitoring of layer hen health and productivity, and on-site visits to a model farm.

“The Council’s team in the EMEA region is committed to direct capacity-building efforts in Senegal, with plans to extend its reach to the wider region in a second phase, inviting U.S. supplier members to participate in Council programs alongside Sub-Saharan African feed and grain producers,” said Bouthour.

During their visit to Dakar, USGBC representatives also met with Senegal’s two largest feed mills, including one that began importing U.S. distiller’s dried grains with solubles (DDGS) following Council training in Tunisia. Discussions were also held with the Senegalese Poultry Association on future training opportunities, while visits to small-scale aquaculture farms explored the potential role of U.S. corn co-products in supporting the local industry.

“As Senegal’s feed industry continues to grow, the Council will maintain its efforts to raise awareness among local stakeholders about the advantages of incorporating U.S. corn co-products into feed formulas,” said Taieb. “Engaging the private feed mill sector with information on U.S. corn and co-products, along with training in logistics and handling techniques, will be critical to building long-term capacity in Senegal and neighboring countries as new port infrastructure develops.”

The training program reflects USGBC’s broader strategy to enhance technical skills, promote sustainable feed solutions, and expand market opportunities for U.S. corn and corn co-products across Africa.