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Morocco Declaration to set land governance agenda in Arab region

Michael Simire
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Morocco Declaration to set land governance agenda in Arab region

The Third Arab Land Conference, held from February 18 to 20, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco, concluded with the adoption of the Morocco Declaration for Land Governance, a key milestone in strengthening land governance frameworks across the Arab region.

Morocco Declaration
Ms. Ekhlas Adam, Secretary-General of the National Council of Urban Development, Sudan, makes a panel contribution at the third high-level session on Women and Land where policymakers and leaders from across the region shone a spotlight on the transformative power of women’s secure access to land, housing, and other vital resources. Photo credit: Salahdine El Bazi

Co-organised by UN-Habitat and the Government of Morocco, the Conference brought together 430 in-person participants, more than 40 government representatives from 17 countries, and over 7,000 online viewers. Discussions focused on sustainable land governance, investment-driven solutions, and inclusive policies to enhance stability, economic growth, and social equity.

Strengthening regional cooperation

The Morocco Declaration calls for stronger regional partnerships and technological advancements in land management and provision of housing and outlines actions to boost land-based investments while respecting land rights, empowering communities, and fostering long-term growth. Key measures include digitalising land administration systems, building the capacities of land professionals, and addressing post-crisis recovery and reconstruction.

The Declaration also emphasises the urgency of protecting women’s land rights and ensuring women’s active participation in shaping land policies and land management.

Key outcomes and commitments

The League of Arab States, the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), and the UN Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (UNESCWA) committed to integrating the Conference’s outcomes into their intergovernmental processes.

Two major initiatives were launched at the Conference:

  • The Arab World Academic Network of Excellence, bringing together leading universities from Palestine, Egypt, Iraq, and Morocco, aimed at enhancing knowledge and expertise in land administration and governance across the region.
  • A strategic handbook on housing and property restitution for refugees and displaced persons, providing guidance on implementing the Pinheiro Principles through case studies from the Arab region. 

Three High-Level Sessions explored critical land issues, including land management in times of crisis, land sector innovation for sustainable investments and housing, and women’s land rights.

Moving forward

The Morocco Declaration serves as a roadmap for future land governance initiatives in the Arab region. The challenge now lies in translating these commitments into concrete actions that promote sustainable urban growth, secure land tenure, and enhance social stability. 

New hydrogen power projects to boost growth in UK

Michael Simire
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New hydrogen power projects to boost growth in UK

A new wave of hydrogen powered projects was shortlisted on Monday April 7, 2025, to help cut emissions and create thousands of jobs in the UK’s industrial heartlands – driving growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

Green Hydrogen
Green Hydrogen

Twenty-seven hydrogen projects have been selected for the next stage of the Second Hydrogen Allocation Round (HAR2) – supporting low-carbon hydrogen production in the UK. The industry has the potential to attract over £1 billion of private sector investment into the UK by 2029, supporting the government’s mission to become a clean energy superpower.

Hydrogen will help deliver a new era of clean energy across the UK and decarbonise emission-intensive industries. It has already attracted £400 million of private sector investment in towns and cities such as Milford Haven in Wales and High Marnham in Nottinghamshire and is creating over 700 direct jobs in construction and operations.

Government support for hydrogen will help create thousands more jobs in the sector and reindustrialising the UK’s proud manufacturing regions. This includes roles for apprentices, graduates and technically trained professionals, such as engineers, welders, skilled construction workers, pipefitters and operations specialists.   

Monday’s shortlist includes projects that could use hydrogen to help tackle the climate crisis by decarbonising their manufacturing and industrial practices, including ammonia production, new clean power generation, glass manufacturing, brick making, and sustainable aviation fuel production. 

Industry Minister, Sarah Jones, said: “We are deploying hydrogen at a commercial scale for the first time – not just investing in a technology – but investing in British jobs, our proud manufacturing communities and our energy security.

“From distilleries and sustainable aviation fuel to public transport and clean energy generation, hydrogen can power our everyday life and unlock clean energy growth across the country as part of our Plan for Change.” 

Green hydrogen is produced by using renewable energy to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, resulting in a zero-carbon fuel that can be used for power generation, transport  and industrial processes.   

This builds on the success of the First Hydrogen Allocation Round which saw 11 projects being allocated over £2 billion in government funding. One recipient, Whitelee Green Hydrogen in Scotland, will produce hydrogen for the Inchdairnie Whiskey distillery which intends to sustainably distil whisky by 2027.   

Stretching across England, Scotland, and Wales, this latest wave of shortlisted HAR2 projects showcases the government’s commitment to create skilled jobs and establish clean energy hubs across Great Britain. The HAR2 shortlist could lead to projects that help support strong supply chains and the delivery of the clean energy superpower mission. 

Dr Emma Guthrie, CEO of the Hydrogen Energy Association, said: “This much-anticipated announcement brings vital clarity to the UK’s hydrogen sector, providing a crucial boost for projects that will drive forward the country’s low-carbon transition.

“The funding support offered through HAR2 gives our members and the wider industry the confidence to gear up for delivery, unlocking investment, creating jobs, and driving economic growth.

“This is great news – not just for the hydrogen sector but for the UK’s ambition to become energy secure and a global leader in clean energy.” 

Clare Jackson, CEO of Hydrogen UK, said: “We’re thrilled to see many Hydrogen UK members succeed in the second Hydrogen Allocation Round, marking a crucial step for scaling electrolytic hydrogen.

“This progress builds on valuable lessons from past rounds and strengthens UK leadership in clean energy – reinforcing the sector’s crucial role in economic growth and energy security.” 

ECOWAS Bank approves €230m to strengthen infrastructure in West Africa

Michael Simire
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0
ECOWAS Bank approves €230m to strengthen infrastructure in West Africa

The Board of Directors of the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has approved a total of €230 million and $10 million to finance projects aimed at stimulating development and boosting economic activities in West Africa.

Dr George Agyekum Donkor
President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EBID, Dr George Agyekum Donkor

A statement by the bank on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, said the financing package was granted during the 91st ordinary meeting of the Board, held under the chairmanship, Dr George Donkor, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of EBID.

The statement said the facilities would be put towards the following projects:

“A $50 million line of credit to Sterling Bank Ltd. in the Federal Republic of Nigeria to support Small Medium Enterprises operating in various sectors, including health, education, agriculture, renewable energy, and transport.

“A €10 million facility to Bénin Cashew SA to co-finance the construction of five cashew nut processing units and a cashew balsam production unit in the Glo Djigbe industrial zone in the Republic of Benin.

“This project is estimated to cover 50 per cent of national cashew production needs while creating 1,666 permanent and daily jobs within the framework of Benin’s Strategic Plan for the Development of the Agricultural Sector.

“A $180 million line of credit to Mota-Engil Nigeria to co-finance the Kano-Maradi standard gauge rail project, linking northern Nigeria to Niger.

“This strategic project will strengthen regional integration, facilitate cross-border trade, and create over 100,000 jobs during the construction phase and 20,000 permanent jobs once operational,” it said.

According to it, the newly approved commitments are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular, SDG 9 – Industry, innovation and infrastructure, and SDG 13 – Climate Action.

It added that the commitment also aligned with EBID’s strategy to develop priority sectors.

“With this investment, EBID’s total commitments in the sub-region amount to $4.5 billion,” the statement said.

By Fabian Ekeruche

SAPZ project strategic to Nigeria’s plan to industrialise agriculture – Shettima

Michael Simire
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SAPZ project strategic to Nigeria’s plan to industrialise agriculture – Shettima

The Federal Government says the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone (SAPZ) is a strategic milestone in its plan to industrialise Nigeria’s agriculture sector and create sustainable jobs across the country.

Kashim Shettima
Alhaji Kashim Shettima, Vice President of Nigeria

Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, said this while performing the groundbreaking for the construction of Phase 1 of the SAPZ project in Kaduna on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.

The SAPZ is part of a larger national programme, with Kaduna, Kano, Kwara, Cross River, Imo, Ogun, Oyo, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) among states in the first phase of the project.

It aims at transforming Nigeria’s agriculture through innovation, private-sector investment, and strategic public partnerships.

The zones are designed to create agro-industrial hubs that integrate farmers with processors, reduce post-harvest losses, and expand rural economic opportunities.

The facility is located in Daki-Takwas, along Kaduna-Abuja, Expressway, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State,

Shettima said the project was a direct response to the long-standing challenges facing Nigeria’s agricultural value chain, including poor infrastructure, limited access to markets, and low value addition.

He expressed confidence that the initiative would catalyse economic growth by creating thousands of jobs and empowering Nigerian youths.

“We are not just breaking ground. We are building the infrastructure to feed our people, empower our youth, and fulfil the economic promise of our nation.

“This is not just about bricks and mortar. It is about people.

” It is about the resilience of our farmers, the ingenuity of our entrepreneurs, and the commitment of our government to build a future that works for everyone,” he said.

According to Shettima the nation cannot afford to be chained to outdated systems while the world moves with urgency towards innovation.

He said  the SAPZ initiative was a strategy that “lays the foundation for real economic transformation.”

Shettima praised the Kaduna State Government for its leadership in agriculture, describing the state as a key driver of Nigeria’s agro-industrial future due to its abundant arable land and historical role in agricultural production.

“Kaduna is not a stranger to agricultural leadership. What we are starting here today will become a model for other states to follow,” he said.

The vice-president reiterated the importance of involving young Nigerians in the agricultural revolution.

“The SAPZ will generate thousands of jobs and equip the youth with the skills to become active players in the economy.

“The youth of Nigeria must not be spectators. They must be stakeholders and shapers of their own futures,” he said.

Earlier, Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani, described the SAPZ as a strategic investment designed to accelerate industrial development across Nigeria.

He said, “The SAPZ is a huge investment designed to position Kaduna State as a major player in Nigeria’s industrial development.”

According to Sani, agriculture plays a central role in Kaduna’s economy, contributes 42 per cent to the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing 60 per cent of the state workforce.

“In the 2023 budget we inherited, agriculture received just N1.4 billion. However, in 2024, we increased it to N23.4 billion, and in 2025, we have approved N74.2 billion,” he said.

Also, the AfDB President, Dr Akinwumi Adesina, applauded Kaduna’s commitment to the actualisation of SAPZ, highlighting the significance of agricultural industrialisation in the state’s economic growth.

While restating the bank’s commitment to the project, he said the initiative was currently being implemented in 27 sites across 11 countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Senegal, and Madagascar.

Also speaking, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari, described the initiative as a turning point in Nigeria’s agricultural history.

“This programme will be a game changer. It is designed to attract private sector investment in agro-industrial processing, drive value addition, and enhance rural development.

“It will strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural ecosystem to respond favourably to the challenges of our time,” the minister said.

The SAPZ programme is being implemented with support from international development partners, including the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

The groundbreaking was witnessed by government dignitaries, stakeholders and partners who commended and pledged commitment to the project.

By Lucy Ogalue

Kano unveils environmental protection laws to combat pollution

Michael Simire
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Kano unveils environmental protection laws to combat pollution

The Kano State Government has unveiled new environmental protection laws designed to address the growing pollution challenges in the state.

Abba Yusuf
Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State

Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, Dr Dahir Hashim, made this known shortly after presenting the new laws to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Farouk-Ibrahim, who pledged full support for the initiative.

“These laws are aimed at tackling environmental pollution, particularly issues such as the discharge of harmful chemicals, indiscriminate waste disposal, open defecation on roads, and the release of contaminated water by factories, among others,” Hashim said.

The commissioner also said that the ministry would launch an eight-week public sensitisation campaign.

“The campaign will target individuals and sectors affected by the new laws to raise awareness on the importance of cleanliness and environmental care,” Hashim added.

He also noted that the laws would be published in both Hausa and English within the week to ensure the public access and understand them.

Hashim hoped that residents of Kano state would fully support government’s efforts to promote a cleaner and healthier environment.

By Muhammad Nur Tijani

Renaissance launches sabbatical programme for varsity dons, researchers

Michael Simire
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Renaissance launches sabbatical programme for varsity dons, researchers

Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited has welcomed 14 professors and 23 research students from various Nigerian universities for the Renaissance Joint Venture sabbatical and internship programmes.

Renaissance
Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited, operator of the NNPC/Renaissance/TotalEnergies/NAOC Joint Venture has inducted 37 academia and Research Interns from several universities in Nigeria into its 2025-2026 Sabbatical & Research Internship Positions. Picture shows the indictees at Renaissance Headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State…recently

“Providing practical industry experience opportunity for lecturers and research students is a sure way to strengthen teaching and research capability that will translate into building a pool of industry professionals that can drive Nigeria’s energy ambition beyond the 21st century,” said Renaissance’s General Manager, Relations and Sustainable Development, Igo Weli, at the induction ceremony held at the company headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Monday, April 7, 2025.

According to Weli, the sabbatical participants would be deployed in different operational areas of the exploration and production business of Renaissance including biodiversity, petroleum engineering, social investment, community health and environmental impact assessment.

He described the sabbatical and research internship programmes as a mutually beneficial relationship since the programmes also offer Renaissance access to specialised expertise from professors and senior lecturers.

“It is an investment in the next generation of innovators, and we are excited that we are on this path of making invaluable contributions to Nigerian Content Development because we are here for the long-term,” he said.

Weli, who was represented at the induction by the company’s Manager, Social Investment and Social Performance, Emmanuel Anyim, noted that the company would continue to strengthen the relationship with the academia through its various intervention programmes which had resulted in the setting up of professorial chairs and centres of excellence in some universities particularly in the Niger Delta where the company has its operations.

“Our educational intervention programmes, including university scholarships, are a purposeful expression of our unwavering commitment to community development through the empowerment of youths to give them opportunity to excel in professional disciplines,” Weli added.

Also speaking at the induction, Renaissance Country Health Manager, Dr. Akinwunmi Fajola, said, “This programme reaffirms Renaissance’s position as the industry leader in fostering a positive learning environment and empowering talented Nigerian people.”

Dr. Fajola urged the sabbaticals “to imbibe Renaissance’s policy of making positive contributions and leaving lasting impact in the lives of its neighbours and communities where it operates.”

In March 2025, Renaissance Africa Energy Company Limited completed its acquisition of the shares of SPDC and took over the SPDC Joint Venture operations to become the operator of the joint venture comprising the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Renaissance, TotalEnergies Limited and Agip Energy and Natural Resources Limited.

Lead poisoning: Govt orders illegal miners out of Zamfara

Michael Simire
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Lead poisoning: Govt orders illegal miners out of Zamfara

The Federal Government has ordered illegal miners to immediately vacate all mining sites in Zamfara State following the confirmation of an outbreak of lead poisoning in Bungudu Local Government Area.

Dele Alake
Dr Dele Alake, Minister of Solid Minerals Development

Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Dele Alake, gave the warning in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Segun Tomori, on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, in Abuja.

Zamfara, known for its rich gold deposits, first recorded a major lead poisoning epidemic in 2010.

The outbreak was traced to artisanal gold mining activities, which led to environmental contamination and the poisoning of hundreds of residents, particularly children.

Alake said that all mining activities were still on hold until the release of Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that would guide the resumption of exploration in the state.

He expressed concern that the six-year mining ban in the state reversed in December 2024 should have prevented any cases of lead poisoning.

“The outbreak is an evidence that traditional and local institutions allowed illegal miners to operate in their areas in flagrant violation of the ban.

“Every citizen should obey the laws and regulations established by constituted authorities.

“Our revered traditional institutions and local authorities, which are funded from the federation accounts, have an even higher responsibility to enforce government directives.

“However, where they demonstrate wilful negligence and abdicate their responsibilities, they perpetrate a state of anomie with dire consequences, as we are witnessing in this case,” he said.

According to him, experts and ministry reports will recommend specific interventions to help the government prevent future calamities.

The minister, however, commended the Zamfara government for deploying emergency services to the affected area, and called for stronger collaboration between the state and the Ministry officials.

“We must work together to kick out illegal miners from all corners to protect the lives of innocent citizens endangered by the desperation of a few individuals to make money at all costs,” he said.

According to him, the ministry will soon release comprehensive SOP to guide the resumption of mining activities in Zamfara.

The procedures, he explained, would address cases of existing holders of mining licences and fresh applicants alongside compliance to community development agreements.

He added that other issues the SOP would address include the beneficiation and remediation efforts to overhaul the mining sector in the state.

Alake noted that the recent approval of the deployment of satellite technology to monitor mining sites nationwide will put an end to illegal mining and other sharp practices in the sector.

In 2017, an epidemic of lead poisoning resulted in the deaths of more than 300 under-five children in Yar-Galma village of Bukkuyum LGA of the state.

By Martha Agas

Nigeria commences work on its Transparency Report, National Communication to promote climate action

Michael Simire
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Nigeria commences work on its Transparency Report, National Communication to promote climate action

In what stakeholders have termed a show of force in the implementation of Nigeria’s numerous climate action-driven programmes, the federal government has started work on the country’s Second Biennial Transparency Report and Fourth National Communication (BTR2/NC4).

NCCCS
Participants in the BTR2/NC4 reports stakeholders workshop, which was hosted in Abuja by the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS)

Speaking at a workshop organised by the National Council on Climate Change Secretariat (NCCCS) in Abuja on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, Dr. Nkiruka Maduekwe, the Director General of the Council, characterised the BTR2/NC4 as two crucial instruments for tracking climate progress and promoting strong alignment with more efficient data-driven climate action.

The DG, who was represented at the event by Dr. Chukwuemeka Okebugwu, an assistant director with the NCCCS, informed the participants that the meeting was held as a basic prerequisite for improving confidence and transparency in the execution of the Paris Agreement.

According to her, this process will eventually create a strong institutional framework that allows data and information to flow freely, enabling the realisation of high-quality reporting throughout the country.

Dr. Maduekwe, who also serves as the special presidential envoy on climate change, revealed that Nigeria has prepared and submitted three national communications to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), two biennial update reports, and the recently submitted first BTR in December 2024.

“Today, we have convened again to commence the preparation of the next circle of reporting in the BTR2 and NC4 as a combined implementation as required under the enhanced transparency framework of the Paris Agreement,” the DG stated.

The federal government and development agencies such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supported the technical sessions, which brought key stakeholders together to brainstorm, coordinate and establish a compliance procedure as well as data requirements to improve the BTR2/NC4 report.

Nigeria ratified the convention in August 2024, in accordance with the Conference of Parties (COP) resolutions. During the technical session, it was revealed that in 2023, Nigeria was ranked medium in the Climate Change Performance Index (CCPI) 2025 ranking results, ahead of South Africa. Nigeria has been consistent in reporting on major outcomes; nevertheless, analysts argue the policy does not provide adequate support for the initiatives.

During the analysis of the BTR1, attendees identified gaps such as collective data from relevant institutions, greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory setup, quantifying Nigeria’s climate resilience in access to clean electricity over the last four years, and climate reportage through reliable sources for wider information dissemination to improve citizens’ understanding, among other things.

By Nsikak Emmanuel Ekere, Abuja

Five arrested, 3.765 tonnes of pangolin scales seized in Nigeria wildlife trafficking bust

Michael Simire
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0
Five arrested, 3.765 tonnes of pangolin scales seized in Nigeria wildlife trafficking bust

In a major strike against wildlife trafficking in Nigeria, the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), supported by the Wildlife Justice Commission (WJC), arrested five suspects and seized 3.765 tonnes of pangolin scales in Lagos, an amount estimated to represent the killing of over 1,900 pangolins.

pangolins
The Pangolin. Pangolins are believed to be the world’s most trafficked mammals

This marks the largest global seizure of pangolin scales reported so far in 2025 and underscores Nigeria’s increasing role in tackling transnational wildlife trafficking.

The successful operation was driven by intelligence provided by the WJC and targeted a high-volume supply chain network based in Lagos, specifically the well-known Lekki Arts and Crafts Market (Jakande Market). On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, a suspected key broker was apprehended, along with over one tonne of pangolin scales.

Follow-up intelligence led officers to a warehouse in Efiran, where the alleged network leader, a second suspected broker, and two employees were arrested, and a further 2.762 tonnes of scales were recovered.

“This operation underscores the power of intelligence-led law enforcement in tackling transnational wildlife crime,” said Olivia Swaak-Goldman, Executive Director of the Wildlife Justice Commission.

“Congratulations to the Nigeria Customs Service on another outstanding result this year. These arrests were made possible because WJC and NCS followed the money, demonstrating how financial investigations are a critical tool in identifying choke points, exposing key actors, to enable systematic dismantling of the top tier layer of major criminal networks.

“By targeting key actors and disrupting criminal operations from the top down and across global supply chains, we can disrupt organised wildlife crime and help prevent species from being driven to extinction,” added Swaak-Goldman.

This latest success highlights a broader shift in Nigeria’s wildlife trafficking landscape. What was once viewed as a low-risk, high-reward activity is now increasingly recognised by traffickers as a high-risk endeavour, thanks to the strategic and sustained enforcement actions by NCS and the WJC.

According to the WJC, it has been working in close partnership with the NCS since July 2021, providing intelligence analysis, investigative support, and evidentiary assistance. To date, this collaboration has facilitated 18 joint operations, leading to 42 arrests, the seizure of more than 25 tonnes of pangolin scales and over one tonne of ivory, and 12 successful convictions.

Among those convicted are a Vietnamese kingpin, his two associates, and two high-level shipping facilitators who were working for many of the Lagos-based organised crime networks.

“Our technical assistance has contributed to 95% of all pangolin scales seizures reported in Nigeria during this period. Notably, no significant seizures of African pangolin scales have been reported at any seaports globally for over three years, signaling a major disruption in transnational trafficking routes. This disruption also helps reduce pressure on the species, allowing populations a chance to recover,” disclosed the WJC in a statement made available to EnviroNews on Tuesday, April 8.   

To further inform the global response, the WJC noted that it would soon release a new report analysing ivory and pangolin scale trafficking trends over the past decade. Covering the period from 2015 to 2024, the report draws on seizure data, open-source research, and criminal intelligence.

“It offers critical insights into how trafficking operations have adapted and aims to support more targeted and effective law enforcement and policy responses worldwide,” submitted the WJC, adding:

“The WJC and Nigeria Customs Service remain steadfast in their commitment to sustaining pressure on criminal networks and ensuring that Nigeria is no longer a safe haven for wildlife traffickers.”

11th Regional Forum on Sustainable Development to focus on driving jobs, economic growth

Michael Simire
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0
11th Regional Forum on Sustainable Development to focus on driving jobs, economic growth

The Eleventh Session of the Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD-11) is set to take place in Kampala, Uganda, from April 9 to April 11, 2025, preceded by pre-events, such as the Africa Regional Science, Technology and Innovation Forum. This multi-stakeholder forum is jointly organised by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Government of Uganda, in collaboration with the African Union Commission, the African Development Bank, and various United Nations agencies.

Kampala
The city of Kampala in Uganda is hosting the ARFSD-11

Under the theme “Driving job creation and economic growth through sustainable, inclusive, science-and evidence-based solutions for the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063,” ARFSD-11 aims to address the pressing need for concerted action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. With only five years left to meet these ambitious targets, the Forum represents a crucial opportunity to catalyse real change on the Continent.

While some progress has been registered on the SDGs as reported in voluntary reviews, the organizing experts worry that Africa, like many parts of the world, is currently off track with most SDG targets and has even seen regression in certain areas. The Forum is being held at a critical time when commitments to enhance the pace of implementation across the continent need to be revitalised. African States need to take bold, ambitious and accelerated transformative measures to improve development outcomes.

As part of the ARFSD, countries will participate in a Regional preparatory workshop for African voluntary national reviews and voluntary local reviews, with the aim of strengthening peer-to-peer learning and sharing best practices and success stories in addressing common challenges that are specific to Africa.

Furthermore, there is the urgency to implement the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (STYIP) of Agenda 2063, as it directly aligns with the overarching goals of the 2030 Agenda, with ambitions known as “moonshots” which include the attainment of at least middle-income status and the amicable resolution of conflicts in Africa by 2044.

Amplifying Africa’s collective voice on the SDGs and Agenda 2063

The annual Forum is coming in the wake of resolutions reached at the 2024 Summit of the Future and the need to push concrete actions for the implementation of the Summit’s outcomes. Additionally, the Forum will serve as a preparatory meeting for the Second World Summit for Social Development, set to be held in Qatar in November 2025. This alignment emphasizes the importance of Africa’s collective voice on global platforms.

The objectives of ARFSD-11 include a comprehensive review of progress, challenges, and opportunities in implementing the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063 with specific focus on five key SDGs:

  • SDG 3 (good health and well-being)
  • SDG 5 (gender equality)
  • SDG 8 (decent work and economic growth)
  • SDG 14 (life below water) and
  • SDG 17 (partnerships for the goals) and the corresponding goals of Agenda 2063 with a special focus on its second ten-year implementation plan (STYIP).

Furthermore, the Forum aims to strengthen learning and advocate for effective policy measures that promote sustainable, inclusive, and evidence-based solutions at national, regional, and global levels. It will also facilitate consensus-building and the adoption of key outcome documents, including the Kampala Declaration on sustainable development.

As a multi-stakeholder forum, ARFSD-11 will adopt a hybrid format, allowing both in-person and virtual participation from ministers, high-level policymakers, experts, and practitioners across various sectors. Participants will represent ministries responsible for planning, economic development, gender and social affairs, health, environmental management, and more. Additionally, stakeholders from civil society, the private sector, media, academia, and regional organisations will contribute to the discussions, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive dialogue.

According to the organising team, Africa is at a pivotal moment, with the potential to significantly advance the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063 from the ground up. The Forum is being organised as one that needs to shape the future of sustainable development across the region.

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