From 7–11 July 2025, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), in collaboration with ReSAKSS-East and Southern Africa and AGRA, held a Regional Technical Workshop in Johannesburg, South Africa, to support the 5th CAADP Biennial Review (BR) process.
The workshop brought together national CAADP focal points and regional experts to review country-submitted BR data and ensure alignment with continental guidelines. The goal was to enhance the credibility, accuracy, and policy relevance of Member States’ submissions, in line with the Malabo Declaration commitments on agricultural transformation.
A core component of the workshop was the technical review of data submitted by countries. Experts independently assessed the quality of submission using the Africa Agriculture Transformation Scorecard (AATS), identifying gaps, inconsistencies, and methodological issues. Feedback sessions between the experts and national focal points encouraged open dialogue and collective commitment to strengthen data quality and accuracy as well as adherence to agreed deadlines.
The Biennial Review is Africa’s key mutual accountability tool for tracking progress on Malabo commitments, including reducing hunger and poverty, increasing investment in agriculture, and strengthening resilience. The Johannesburg workshop reaffirmed that accurate data is essential for evidence-based decision-making and meaningful transformation.
 |  |  |  |
CCARDESA and FSRP: Advancing Resilient Food Systems
CCARDESA actively participated in the workshop through support from the World Bank-funded Food Systems Resilience Programme (FSRP), underscoring the alignment between BR insights and the programme’s goals. Key areas of CCARDESA support include:
- Improving agricultural data systems
- Facilitating peer learning across countries
- Supporting evidence-based policy development
This engagement ensures that FSRP interventions are grounded on credible data and aligned with continental frameworks.
Path Forward
The workshop closed with renewed commitment from SADC Member States to finalise their 5th BR submissions as agreed. More than a reporting exercise, the process is a driver of reflection, accountability, and transformation.
 |  |  |  |
