By Amos Harris
The Cooperative Development Agency (CDA) has officially launched its Five-Year Strategic Plan for 2026–2030, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to establish cooperatives as the primary engines of inclusive growth in Liberia. The comprehensive policy framework was unveiled during a high-level validation workshop and launch ceremony held on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at the Corina Hotel in Sinkor. The event brought together government officials, international development partners, and cooperative leaders from all 15 counties.
The Registrar General of the CDA, Madam Lwopu G. Kandakai, described the new plan as a forward-looking roadmap designed to guide the agency’s operations over the next five years. She emphasized that the strategy aligns directly with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s vision for a more inclusive Liberia and serves as a vital component of the government’s ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development. Madam Kandakai noted that the plan aims to deepen public awareness, strengthen institutional engagement, and expand partnerships to create sustainable economic opportunities nationwide.
During her keynote address, Madam Kandakai characterized the launch as a historic achievement, representing one of the agency’s most significant strategic advancements since its inception in 1981. She expressed her profound gratitude to the CDA staff and various partners—including Grow2, the Government of Sweden (Sverige), the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), and the Government of Liberia—whose contributions were essential to the validation process.
The strategy specifically focuses on several core pillars, including the strengthening of cooperative governance and accountability, the expansion of access to finance and markets, and the enhancement of institutional capacity at both national and county levels. Furthermore, the plan prioritizes the participation of women and youth in cooperative enterprises, positioning these organizations as drivers of agricultural productivity and rural development.
Supporting these sentiments, the CDA Deputy Registrar for Gender, Youth Promotion, and Development, Madam Augusta Massare Watson, praised the collective effort required to bring the plan to fruition. She described the development process as a challenging but rewarding journey that showcased the unity of the CDA family. Madam Watson reaffirmed that the strategy ensures cooperatives nationwide are integrated into the national development agenda, upholding the principle that no citizen should be left behind.
The launch concluded with a renewed sense of commitment from stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Development partners welcomed the plan as a timely response to the evolving economic landscape, pledging their continued collaboration to ensure its successful implementation. With this roadmap now in place, the CDA is poised to empower local economies and accelerate Liberia’s journey toward sustainable development and economic self-reliance.