CLPA 2025 - ECA closing remarks

CONFERENCE ON LAND POLICY IN AFRICA

CLOSING REMARKS

Royal Highnesses,

Representatives of the tripartite institutions of the African Land Policy Centre

Distinguished delegates,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we come to the end of the 6th Edition of the Conference on Land Policy in Africa, I am filled with immense optimism about the future of inclusive and just land governance policies and practices in Africa as engines of social and economic transformation.

The discussions over the last few days under the theme of Land Governance, Justice and Reparations for Africans and Descendants of People of The African Diaspora have been insightful, thought-provoking, and inspirational. They have set in motion ideas that can guide policy formulation and the development of programs for secure land rights for all, climate resilience, agri-food systems, financing of the land sector, and restorative justice.

The Scientific Committee received391 paper abstracts which were reviewed and 85 papers were selected to be presented at the Conference. Out of these, 22 papers were presented virtually. There were30 Side-events and 13 Master classes. The plenary sessions, the Round Tables for Land Commissions, traditional authorities and the Vice-Chancellors event all sort to unpack the challenges and opportunities in land governance as we seek to dismantle the unyielding traces of colonialism in their various forms in the land sector.

The Conference brought together 440 in-person participants from 39 countries, including 14 from outside Africa, representing the broad base of stakeholders. Notably, there were 50 participants from academic and research institutions, 100 NGOs, 30 government representatives and 9 traditional authorities. Over 100 participants attended online.

Ladies and Gentlemen, as was very well articulated, universities play a critical role in human resource development for the land sector. The success of land reforms in Africa will depend not only on political commitment but also on sustained investment in knowledge systems that can inform policy and practice. Universities are uniquely positioned to generate that knowledge and produce professionals equipped with the technical and ethical grounding required for the transformation of Africa. Through research and training, they can provide leadership in disrupting the continuities of colonial legacies and anchor perspectives that protect and dignify communities.

Universities can cater for the needs of industry through targeted training and provide the statistics - including gender disaggregated data - necessary for enhanced agricultural production, land-based investments, and infrastructural development. They can provide avenues for sustainable management of Africa's land resources, especially in the context of the climate crisis.

Distinguished Guests, you will recall that the Conference has underscored the role of the diaspora in the political, economic, social and cultural development of Africa. But we must go beyond remittances to genuine partnership with the diaspora. This will require building trust, enhancing transparency, and eradicating the bureaucratic hurdles, fraud, and unclear property laws which make investments difficult.

We have heard the commitments the various stakeholders and we support them fully. As we move forward, let us commit to integrating justice and equity in all land governance policies and practices. Let us put African communities - wherever they are located - at the center of our work.

As I conclude, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all the Scientific Committee for the immense contribution, esteemed Traditional Authorities, Vice-Chancellors, speakers, panelists, and participants who have contributed their knowledge and expertise to enrich our understanding of the intersection between colonialism and land in Africa. Your thought provoking perspectives have illuminated the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead as we try achieve the aspirations of the African people, on the continent and the diaspora.

Special thanks to the partners that made this possible: International Development Law Organization, (IDLO), UNESCO, Oxfam, International Land Coalition (ILC), Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization Food And Agriculture Organisatiion,Welthungerhilfe (WHH) Stand for Her Land Campaign, Youth initiative for Land (YILAA), Action Aid International, and Landesa. We appreciate your partnership in sustaining the AU land agenda.

Ladies and Gentlemen

Thank you all for your invaluable contributions. It is now my pleasure to declare the Conference officially closed. I wish you safe travel to you various destinations.

THANK YOU