African Wildlife Foundation Pledges $30 Million Per Year for Conservation at Africa Biodiversity Summit.

Gaborone, Botswana, 5th November 2025. The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) announced on Wednesday an annual investment of $30 million to support the protection of Africa's rich biodiversity, further reaffirming its commitment to the African Union's Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.

The annual investment not only underscores the critical role of a thriving natural world in Africa’s economic prosperity, climate resilience, and cultural heritage but will also contribute to scaling up the agency’s on-the-ground efforts to protect the continent’s rich biodiversity using a people-centered approach.

“Africa’s biodiversity is not only our natural wealth but is fundamental to our future,” AWF’s Chief Executive Officer Kaddu Sebunya said during a Heads of State Reception held at the closing session of the Africa Biodiversity Summit. 

“The protection and sustainable management of our ecosystems is non-negotiable for achieving a prosperous, peaceful, and sustainable Africa. AWF is proud to align our work with continental frameworks to ensure our collective success,” Mr. Sebunya added.

AWF's conservation strategy is implemented across 14 large, priority landscapes and critical protected areas, spanning from the savannas of East Africa to the forests of the Congo Basin and the wildlife corridors of Southern Africa. This landscape approach ensures ecological connectivity, protects critical habitats, and secures wildlife populations, while empowering local communities to become essential stewards of conservation.

H.E Duma Boko, President of the Republic of Botswana (centre) with dignitaries from various African countries of during the closing ceremony of the African Biodiversity Summit

The organization’s substantial annual investment directly supports:
•    The protection and management of critical ecosystems and protected areas.
•    Community-led conservation initiatives that link biodiversity protection with sustainable livelihoods.
•    Combating wildlife crime and illegal trafficking.
•    Building the capacity of African conservation professionals and institutions.
•    Elevating African leadership in conservation, including mentoring African youth.
•    Advancing climate-smart conservation solutions.
•    Supporting policy development and implementation at national and regional levels.

Additionally, at a continental level, AWF, as the secretariat of the Africa Protected Areas Directors (APAD) network, commits to continuing to foster knowledge exchange between member countries and advance best practices across the continent, thereby enabling a sustainable future. 
During the summit held in Botswana's capital, Gaborone, AWF emphasized its commitment to strengthening partnerships with African governments, the African Union, local communities, and the private sector to scale up its conservation impact. 

“Africa's biodiversity is Africa's responsibility and Africa's opportunity,” said Sebunya. “AWF stands ready to work hand-in-hand with all stakeholders to ensure that our continent's natural wealth continues to thrive, supporting both people and wildlife for generations to come. Together, we can safeguard a biodiverse, resilient, and prosperous Africa.”

About the African Wildlife Foundation

The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) is the primary advocate for the protection of wildlife and wildlands, recognizing them as essential to a modern and prosperous Africa. Founded in 1961 to focus on Africa's conservation needs, we articulate a uniquely African vision, bridge science and public policy, and demonstrate the benefits of conservation to ensure the survival of the continent's wildlife and wild lands.