CES Cabinet Approves Establishment of Cooperative and Rural Development Institute

(JUBA) – The Central Equatoria State Council of Ministers has approved the establishment of an Institute of Cooperative and Rural Development aimed at strengthening cooperative societies and farmers’ groups across the state.

The decision was reached during the State Cabinet meeting held on Friday, where ministers endorsed a memorandum presented by the Minister of Cooperative and Rural Development, Hon. Emmanuel Khamis.

As part of the resolution, the cabinet directed the relevant authorities to allocate land for the establishment of the institute, paving the way for its implementation.

According to the approved memorandum, the institute will serve as a centre for capacity building by equipping cooperative societies and farmers’ groups with practical management and leadership skills. It is also expected to promote research, innovation and policy development to support economic recovery and sustainable rural development in Central Equatoria State.

The government says the institute will play a key role in strengthening agricultural productivity, improving cooperative governance and creating opportunities for rural communities to contribute to the state’s economic growth.

To ensure the initiative is implemented, the Cabinet directed the Ministry of Cooperative and Rural Development and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Investment to work together in operationalising the approved memo.

The establishment of the institute reflects the state government’s efforts to promote rural development, empower farming communities and enhance the role of cooperatives in driving economic transformation.