The Cooperative Development Agency (CDA) has been readmitted as a full-fledged member of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) after several years of dormancy, in a fresh move that signals bright era for cooperative movements in Liberia.
The readmittance of the CDA by the ICA is a major boost for the country’s cooperative sector, as the CDA is now poised to collaborate with national and international stakeholders to achieve the goals of the Joseph Boakai administration’s ARREST Agenda for inclusive national development.
The ICA is an umbrella organization that promotes and protects cooperative values and principles worldwide, and facilitates the development of economic and other mutually beneficial relations between its member organizations. The ICA’s members include international and national cooperative organizations from various sectors of the economy.
The CDA Registrar General, Madam Lwopu Kandakai, expressed gratitude to the ICA, the World Bank, and other donor organizations for considering the readmittance of the CDA as a member of the ICA.
This will allow the CDA to participate in international conferences, workshops, and benefit from training opportunities for its staff and cooperative members.
In a related development, the CDA and the National Aquaculture and Fisheries Authority (NaAFA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at providing training opportunities for cooperative societies in the fisheries sector.
This collaboration is seen as a milestone accomplishment that will contribute to the successful implementation of the ARREST Agenda.
Speaking on behalf of NaAFA, Deputy Director General Mr. Augustine Manoballah stated that in consideration of the statutory responsibility and capacity of the CDA, NaAFA will provide the necessary support to ensure the success of this partnership.
