The government of Botswana, in partnership with the African Union (AU) Commission, on Thursday convened a high-level donor roundtable in Gaborone aimed at mobilising financial support for the upcoming Africa Biodiversity Summit scheduled for 2-5 November.
To be held under the theme “Leveraging Biodiversity for Africa’s Prosperity,” the summit is expected to bring together heads of state, policymakers, scientists and civil society leaders to chart a unified continental agenda for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
Thursday’s roundtable served as both a strategic precursor and a fundraising platform to ensure the summit’s successful delivery and long-term impact.
According to Botswana’s Ministry of Environment and Tourism, the roundtable sought to bridge funding gaps by securing commitments to cover core logistical costs, facilitate the participation of high-level delegations and support a robust communication and outreach campaign.
In addition to financing the summit itself, the event encouraged pledges toward a dedicated fund or alternative mechanisms to sustain implementation of summit outcomes beyond November.
The Africa Biodiversity Summit is being positioned as a flagship continental event, aligning with the AU’s Agenda 2063 and global biodiversity frameworks.
It will spotlight Africa’s rich natural heritage while advancing policy coherence, resource mobilisation and regional collaboration on biodiversity-linked development.