The press briefing held on Wednesday, 12 November, on the sidelines of the main sessions brought together ministers, government representatives, traditional leaders, and academic experts to discuss the crucial issues of land governance, justice, and reparations for African populations and the diaspora.
Coordinated by the African Land Policy Centre (ALPC) in collaboration with the African Union Commission, the event emphasized the fundamental role of African scientific knowledge in guiding land reform policies across the continent. Ms. Joane Kagwanja, ALPC Coordinator, reminded attendees that “the conference was created to provide a platform for exchanges based on scientific evidence, primarily produced by African researchers, to better understand and manage our lands.” She stressed that the majority of African lands—up to 70% in some countries—are still governed by customary authorities, making dialogue between researchers and traditional custodians essential for inspiring fair and effective policies.
In her remarks, Dr. Janet Edeme, Head of the Rural Development and Food Security Division at the African Union, framed the discussion within the context of the AU’s thematic year: Justice for Africans and the Diaspora through Reparations. She highlighted the colonial legacy of land laws, which are often still in effect, and their unequal impact on local populations. “To transform our agri-food systems and rural societies, equitable access to land—particularly for women and youth—is essential,” she emphasized. According to Dr. Edeme, debates on land restitution and equitable distribution must be aligned with continental strategies such as CADEP to ensure socio-economic development objectives are achieved.
The briefing also provided an opportunity for national delegations to share their experiences and best practices. Prof. Gilingwe Mayende, representing the South African Minister of Agrarian Reform and Rural Development, praised the conference’s practical focus: “Here, we are not merely in a discussion forum; we witness a shift from rhetoric to concrete commitments, translated into land reform and restitution programs.”
Meanwhile, Dr. Tendai Walker, Chairperson of the Zimbabwe Land Commission, detailed her country’s achievements since its initial land reform. With over 254,000 land parcels redistributed over five years, Zimbabwe has sought to correct colonial-era inequalities while promoting the inclusion of women, youth, and war veterans. She emphasized the importance of linking restitution and reparations policies to land governance mechanisms to ensure land tenure security and agricultural productivity.
Finally, Mr. Abubakar Sappay Foraymusa, Commissioner General of the National Land Commission of Sierra Leone, shared his country’s recent experience, where land reform was relaunched in 2022 with the adoption of major laws such as the National Land Commissions Act and the Customary Land Rights Act. These laws aim to decentralize land governance while respecting local traditions, creating a fair and sustainable framework for land access and management.
The session that followed allowed journalists to delve deeper into the issues discussed. Participants questioned panelists on specific points, from policy implementation to the involvement of local communities and youth in land governance. Each speaker, whether ministers, land commission representatives, or academic experts, responded in detail and with transparency, providing concrete insights and practical examples from their respective countries. This interaction was widely appreciated by the audience, which recognized the richness and relevance of the discussions, enhancing the briefing’s impact on CLPA 2025 media coverage.
The contributions of experts and national delegations demonstrate that, despite cultural and institutional differences, a consensus is emerging on the need for evidence-based, transparent, and inclusive policies. As Prof. Mayende noted, “We leave Addis Ababa with a renewed sense of energy and the conviction that Africa is moving in the right direction regarding land governance.” A direction that places science, tradition, and social justice at the heart of land reform, paving the way for a new era of security and equity for African populations.
By Kilalopress
