Professor Lindiwe Majele Sibanda Stepping Down from CGIAR Integrated Partnership Board

Following her decision to conclude her tenure as Chair and Member of the Integrated Partnership Board (IPB) effective 1 July 2025, CGIAR extends its sincere thanks and deep appreciation to Professor Lindiwe Majele Sibanda for her four years of outstanding dedicated service.

Since her appointment to the CGIAR System Board in 2021 and her elevation to Chair in 2023, Professor Sibanda’s leadership steered CGIAR through a critical period of transformation. Under her leadership, CGIAR led a strategic governance review and provided the foundation for appropriate governance, appointed a new executive management team. She built the foundations for the new and innovative 2025–2030 CGIAR Research Portfolio, fostered stronger relationships with host countries and partners and advocated for promoting our values with an exceptional talent.

In accordance with the rules for the Integrated Partnership Board, Dr. Patrick Caron, former Vice-Chair, is now assuming the responsibility of Chair.

CGIAR would like to thank Professor Sibanda for her service to not only the organization and the CGIAR Research Centers, but also the wider agricultural research and development sector. Her legacy lies not only in the outcomes achieved but also in her commitment to partnership and collaborative leadership. CGIAR wishes her the very best in her next chapter as a Resident Fellow at the Robert Bosch Academy in Berlin.