Dr. Rita I. Cooma , PhD, MBA, MPIA, is the Special Adviser to the Africa Union Special Envoy for Food Systems and Higher Education. Dr. Cooma has developed the Farmer Entrepreneur and Innovation Institute model that is currently implemented in the Africa Union Special Envoys’ of Food Systems agriculture  portfolio with farmers, academics, professors, researchers and public servants as part of a dynamic and collective regional  ecosystems for Food Systems and Higher Education Program.  The model required local colleges and universities to connect  to the Farmer Entrepreneur and Innovation Institute to provide business skills development and other capacity  trainaing to farmers ,students and women. 

She is also CEO of ICCOUNCIL with over two decades of experience in international development with the African Union, the United Nations and regional economic communities. Rita Cooma's professional journey reflects a diverse and accomplished career in higher education, economic and social development, international relations, and public policy. Her extensive experience spans various roles and responsibilities, showcasing her expertise in project management, policy development, and leadership.  Rita Cooma's multifaceted career and her ability to navigate complex environments in both international development  and international policy. Her diverse skill set and leadership experience position her well for future roles that require strategic management and cross-cultural collaboration. As global challenges continue to evolve in Higher Education and Human Securty (where academic freedom of students and faculties of colleges and universities is based on conditionalities), as well as in Food Systems, Economic Diplomacy, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, her blend of practical experience and academic knowledge will be crucial in shaping effective policies and fostering international cooperation.  In 2022, Dr. Cooma enabled the partnership between AUDA NEPAD CEO Dr. Ibrahim Mayaki and Princeton University's Graduate School of International Affairs that resulted in the signing of an MOU to link graduate students to AUDA NEPAD to gain hands-on experience in international development projects in Africa.  Honorable Minister Tete was instrumental in supporting the launch of the program in May ,2022 (https://pasrc.princeton.edu/news-events/news/2020/successful-launch-meeting-pasrc)

Dr. Cooma is currently a Special Adviser to Minister Tete Antonio on topics relating to Higher Education and Human Security ,( The President João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço Higher Education, Entrepreneurship, and Innovation Program), Economic Diplomacy and Resource Sovereignty as well as Food Systems and Higher Education for the small farmers of the Lobito corridor region.  Recently, the discovery of the African village on Native American land reveals the African Diaspora among Native American tribes (i.e., the Ramao Munsee Lenaape People of Hillburn ,NY)  in the United States. She provides guidance to   Minister Tete’s Global African Diaspora Program and arranges interactive cultural heritage programs to help contribute to the Africa Union’s 2025 Theme of the Year (https://au.int/en/theme/2025).