AWF, Dev-Afrique to support governments on conservation, policy reform

The African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) and Dev-Afrique Development Advisors have entered into a partnership aimed at supporting African governments in strengthening conservation efforts, improving environmental governance, and advancing policy reform linked to sustainable development.

The collaboration is designed to help governments and regional institutions better integrate natural capital into planning and decision-making, while also improving the tools and systems used to manage biodiversity, land use, and ecosystem resources. It brings together AWF’s long-standing conservation experience with Dev-Afrique’s expertise in governance advisory, institutional strengthening, data systems, and geospatial technology.

Under the agreement, both organisations will work with public institutions and development partners to design and implement practical solutions that connect conservation goals with economic development priorities. A key focus will be ensuring that policies are not only developed but also effectively implemented through stronger institutions, improved data, and technical support.

Speaking on the partnership, Kaddu Sebunya, chief executive officer, AWF, said Africa’s natural resources are central to the continent’s future prosperity.

“Across Africa, there is growing recognition that our natural capital is not only an environmental asset but a foundation for economic growth, resilience, and prosperity,” he said.
“Realizsng this opportunity requires strong institutions, sound data, effective planning, and partnerships that can bridge the gap between vision and implementation.”

He emphasised that stronger decision-making systems are essential for ensuring conservation delivers long-term benefits for both people and ecosystems.

Ridwan M. Sorunke, founder and managing principal of Dev-Afrique, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to African-led solutions that address both governance and environmental challenges.

“Africa’s future will increasingly depend on how effectively we manage the intersection of economic development, governance, and natural capital,” he said.

“By combining AWF’s conservation leadership with Dev-Afrique’s advisory and implementation expertise, we see an opportunity to develop practical, scalable solutions that strengthen conservation outcomes, support governments and institutions, and help translate Africa’s biodiversity ambitions into measurable impact.”

The partnership will be implemented through AWF’s Strategic Solutions Group, which is intended to provide advisory and implementation support for conservation and development initiatives across the continent.

Both organisations say the goal is to close the gap between policy design and execution, ensuring that conservation and sustainability commitments translate into measurable impact on the ground.