Livingstone, Zambia (22–26 September 2025)
The 23rd AWCF, hosted at the Radisson Blu Mosi-oa-Tunya Resort in Livingstone, Zambia, was a resounding success, drawing praise from delegates and stakeholders across the continent and beyond. The event was marked by high-level engagement, strategic discussions, and strengthened collaboration among African range states and international partners.
A pivotal contributor to the forum’s success was Hon. Rodney Shikumba, Minister of Tourism, Zambia, whose keynote address and unwavering support set a strong tone for the week’s proceedings. Notably, for the first time, two delegates from Madagascar attended in their capacity as SADC Chair, underscoring the growing regional commitment to coordinated wildlife policy and conservation.
A dedicated SADC Range States session was held separately from the main meeting to prepare for the upcoming CITES CoP20, allowing for focused dialogue and consensus-building on key proposals. This strategic move positions Africa well for unified representation at CoP20 later this year.
The forum also benefited from robust international engagement, including the virtual participation of a large delegation from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Their contributions were highly appreciated and reinforced the importance of mutual understanding and cooperation, particularly regarding trophy import regulations.
With a comprehensive agenda covering wildlife management, international policy, community conservation, and species-specific strategies, the 2025 AWCF reaffirmed its role as a flagship platform for African conservation leadership. Africa is now better prepared and more united ahead of CITES CoP20.
