Amended CCARDESA charter poised to ensure continuity in regional agricultural programmes

An agreement to amend the Charter of the Centre for Coordination of Agriculture Research and Development for Southern Africa (CCARDESA), was signed this morning by the Minister of Agro-Industry, Food Security, Blue Economy and Fisheries, Dr Arvin Boolell, in Port-Louis. The signing ceremony was attended by CCARDESA representative Dr Bartholomew Chataika and Southern African Development Community (SADC) Legal Counsel, Ms Refilwe Mosarwa.

In a statement, Dr Arvin Boolell highlighted that the revised CCARDESA Charter will broaden opportunities within the agro-industry and deliver tangible benefits for all. He pointed out that this initiative aligns with Mauritius’ aim of driving a paradigm shift in the sector, ensuring that farmers and the wider community remain the primary beneficiaries.

The Amended Charter’s focus on research and development will further empower stakeholders across the industry, said the Minister.

Highlighting Mauritius' ambition to transition from a Small Island Developing State to a Big Ocean State, Minister Boolell also welcomed the inclusion of priority sectors such as the blue economy and fisheries in the revised Charter.

On his part, Dr Bartholomew Chataika remarked that the amended Charter will strengthen cooperation between CCARDESA and Mauritius, enabling stronger institutional support. He emphasised that this development will further enhance regional integration and strengthen cross-institutional support.

The Amendments

The amendments to Article 14 provide that the General Assembly will meet once a year, allow for extraordinary sessions when required, and enable virtual or hybrid meetings by removing references to physical venues. This revision increases flexibility, reduces costs, and promotes wider participation.

Article 15 has also been amended to extend the tenure of Board members from two to three years and to introduce a continuity clause, allowing members to remain in office until their successors are formally appointed. This change helps ensure leadership stability and avoids governance gaps between the end of terms and the appointment of new members.

The proposed amendments enhance CCARDESA’s governance framework, improve operational efficiency, and ensure continuity in regional agricultural programmes. For Mauritius, these reforms translate into greater flexibility in participating in regional governance, reduced costs through virtual meetings, and improved oversight of programmes. They also strengthen Mauritius’ integration into regional agricultural research systems, ensuring access to knowledge platforms and capacity-building opportunities that support national innovation and resilience strategies.

Cabinet approval has been sought to authorise Mauritius to sign the Agreement, reaffirming its commitment to regional cooperation in agricultural research and food security.

About the CCARDESA

Established in 2011, CCARDESA comprises 15-member states, including Mauritius, and operates as an autonomous subsidiary of SADC with its own governance structures and procedures.

Its mandate is to sustainably reduce food insecurity and poverty across the region. Mauritius has already benefited from CCARDESA through training programmes for public officers and access to the Southern African Agricultural Information and Knowledge System portal, which offers valuable regional data, minimises duplication in research, and supports the localisation of projects.

09 April 2026

Email: gis@govmu.org

Website: https://gis.govmu.org

Mobile App: GIS News

Topics: Agriculture