333 Africa hosts the first national training convergence of Liberia's swine industry

The event held at the Conference theater, Ministerial complex, Congo Town, Monrovia, Liberia, and was attended by more than 515 swine producers, professionals, veterinarians, agriculturists, animal scientists, industry stakeholders, and representatives of the Liberian Ministry of Agriculture. The pig value chain actors of Liberia was the national host of ASMEP2025. The Pig Improvement Company (PIC AFRICA) and Axiom Genetics were good sponsors of the program and international speakers from the companies were present at the event.

‎This was the first national convergence in the history of the Liberia’s pig industry. The event brought together men and women who produce pigs in far regions who travelled kilometers to Monrovia to learn sustainable swine management systems.

‎The program started with opening speeches delivered by Mr Olasupo S. Ayobami (333 Africa brand manager) and Mr Jerry Sirtor (National president of the pig value chain actors of Liberia, PVCA) and was followed by the breakfast and networking break.

‎The first plenary session was a session of three technical presentations which commenced with spoken words delivered by Miss Ines. The first presentation delivered by Olasupo S. Ayobami on "SUSTAINABLE SWINE MANAGEMENT: Key components and best practices". The second presentation was anchored by Mr Tomi Olatunde (Africa manager of Axiom genetics/Director, E-zootech genetics) titled “INHERENT POTENTIALS OF PIGS: How genetics drive productivity and performance”. The third presentation was on "FARROWING AND WEANER MANAGEMENT" delivered by Sarah Chirwa (Technical advisor, PIC AFRICA). This session was followed by the lunch and networking break.

‎The second plenary session was a session of two additional technical presentations. The fourth presentation was delivered by Mr Tomi Olatunde on the topic “UNDERSTANDING PIG AND PORK MARKETING SYSTEMS” and the concluding presentation was delivered by Samantha van der Westhuizen (Exports coordinator, PIC Africa) on the topic "ADOPTION OF SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS: Ideal biosecurity model for commercial farms”.

‎The closing ceremony started with award presentations anchored by Olorunfemi Johnson (333 Africa event coordinator) and Olasupo S. Ayobami. An award of excellence was presented to Sarah Chirwa, in recognition of her over a decade contributions to technical trainings and advisorship across Africa. Tomi Olatunde received an award of honour in recognition of his contributions to technical and genetic advisorship across Africa. Samantha received a special award of recognition in recognition of her immense contributions to technical and genetic advisorship across Africa. Mr Jerry Sirtor received an award of honour in recognition of his outstanding leadership and tireless efforts in uniting pig farmers across Liberia. Princess Yonnie Numah won the first 333 Africa passion for knowledge award for her remarkable dedication to personal and industry growth. Recognition award was presented to PIC AFRICA and Axiom Genetics in recognition of their contributions to 333 Africa swine mentorship programs and to the success of the first national convergence of Liberia’s pig industry. Lastly, PVCA received a commemoratory plaque in commemoration of the achievement of the first national convergence of Liberia’s swine industry.

‎The event was brought to a close with a closing remark from Mr Titus (PVCA National representative) and Mr Olasupo S. Ayobami.