CLPA 2025 - Closing remarks by Dr. Janet Edeme

CLOSING REMARKS

BY

DR. JANET EDEME

HEAD OF DIVISION, RURAL DEVELOPMENT AND

AG. HEAD OF AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SECURITY DIVISION

AFRICAN UNION COMMISSION

Closing Ceremony - 6^th Conference on Land Policy in Africa (CLPA 2025)

13^th November 2025, UNCC - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Your Excellencies, Honourable Ministers,

Honourable Mzwanele Nyhontso, Minister of Land Reform and Rural Development of the Republic of South Africa

Dr. Nassim Oulmane, OiC of Climate Chamge, Food Security and natural resources division, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa

Representatives of Member States

Regional Economic Communities

Vice-Chancellors

Esteemed Traditional Leaders

Development Partners

Land practitioners

Civil society

The private sector

Academia

Distinguished Delegates

Ladies and Gentlemen

All protocols observed

As we bring the curtains down on the 6th Conference on Land Policy in Africa, it is with immense pride and gratitude that I stand before you on behalf of the African Union Commission and the African Land Policy Centre (ALPC) to thank every participant for your dedication, intellect, and commitment over these past four days.

This year's conference, held under the theme "Land Governance, Justice, and Reparations for Africans and Descendants of People of the African Diaspora," has truly challenged us to rethink the meaning and value of land in our societies.

We have gone beyond the technicalities of land administration to embrace its deeper significance as a source of justice, identity, dignity, and belonging.

Throughout our deliberations, we have heard from Ministers, policymakers, youth leaders, women, traditional authorities, researchers, and private sector actors each contributing unique perspectives that enrich our collective understanding.

What has become clear is that Africa's land issues are not just about boundaries or titles; they are about fairness, human rights, and the promise of shared prosperity.

Distinguished Participants,

Allow me to highlight five key messages that have emerged from this year's conference:

1. First, the African Union's Theme of the Year "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations"has given us a powerful moral and political lens. It calls on us to place justice at the heart of land governance and to see land reform as an instrument for redress, dignity, and transformation.

2. Second, Member States have reaffirmed their commitment to the AU Declaration on Land Issues and Challenges in Africa, and to strengthening the institutions that guarantee fairness, transparency, and accountability in land administration.

3. Third, we have emphasized that strong multistakeholder partnerships between governments, academia, traditional leaders, civil society, the private sector, and development partners are essential to building resilient and equitable land governance systems.

4. Fourth, the conference has underscored the importance of knowledge, research, and capacity development. Evidence based policymaking must remain the foundation of reform, with universities and research institutions playing a leading role in shaping the future of land policy.

5. Finally, we have seen a renewed continental commitment to coherence and coordination in advancing land governance as a key pillar of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Let me extend heartfelt appreciation to the Government of Ethiopia, UNECA for hosting this years conference, and all resource partners, universities, and organizations represented here. Your invaluable support has made this conference possible and impactful.

To the Scientific Committee, Subcommittees, and Secretariat, thank you for your tireless efforts behind the scenes.

To our presenters, facilitators, and panellists, thank you for the intellectual depth and insight you have brought to every session.

And to all participants from across Africa and the diaspora, your energy and voices have made this conference truly continental, inclusive, and transformative.

As we close, let us remember that our real work begins now. The success of this conference will be measured not by the number of sessions held, but by how we translate our commitments into action in our policies, our communities, and our daily practice.

The African Union Commission, through DARBE and the African Land Policy Centre, remains steadfast in its support to Member States to:

• Strengthen national land governance systems;

• Promote justice and equity in access to land;

• Deepen research and knowledge exchange; and

• Advance the continental vision of "The Africa We Want."

Your Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

Thank you once again for your wisdom, your partnership, and your unwavering dedication to Africa's development.

I wish you all safe travels, fruitful collaborations, and continued success in the vital work ahead.

With these words, I hereby declare the 6th Conference on Land Policy in Africa officially closed.

Thank you.