BIG NEWS! 🎉 The 10th Africa Animal Welfare Conference 2026 is heading to Lusaka from 5–7 Oct 2026 under the theme: “Dialogue to Action - Collaborative Implementation for Animal Welfare, Climate and Sustainable Development in Africa.” #AAWC2026 #AnimalWelfare #ClimateAction

The 10th Africa Animal Welfare Conference (AAWC 2026) brought together delegates from across Africa and beyond for meaningful conversations, knowledge exchange, and learning from diverse experiences in animal welfare. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our co-hosts, The Government of the Republic of Zambia, Africa Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), Working Animals International and Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW), and our valued partners: Animal Welfare Institute, Brooke East Africa, World Animal Protection, Cruelty Free International, Humane World for Animals, Veterinary Association of Zambia, Compassion in World Farming, The Donkey Sanctuary, and Welttierschutzstiftung (WTS). Your invaluable support, commitment, and collaboration helped make AAWC 2026 a success. #AAWC2026 #AAWCZambia #AnimalWelfare #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #AAWCLusaka

And just like that, the 10th Africa Animal Welfare Conference (AAWC 2026) comes to a close! Three days of inspiring conversations, knowledge sharing, meaningful connections and renewed commitments to advancing animal welfare across Africa and beyond. From thought-provoking discussions to new partnerships and shared solutions, AAWC 2026 brought together voices united by a common purpose: building a future where animal welfare is at the heart of climate adaptation and sustainable development. A heartfelt thank you to the Government of the Republic of Zambia for hosting this milestone conference, and to our delegates, speakers, partners, sponsors, volunteers and organisers for making it a success. #AAWC2026 #AAWCZambia #AnimalWelfare #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #AAWCLusaka – at Lusaka, Zambia

The 10th Africa Animal Welfare Conference (AAWC 2026) was officially closed by Dr. Max Choombe, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, Zambia. As we conclude three days of dialogue, knowledge sharing and collaboration, we extend our sincere gratitude to the Government of the Republic of Zambia for hosting this milestone 10th Africa Animal Welfare Conference in Lusaka. We are grateful for Zambia’s support and hospitality, and for the opportunity to bring together governments, animal welfare organisations, researchers, practitioners and other stakeholders from across Africa and beyond. As AAWC 2026 comes to a close, we look forward to carrying the conversations, commitments and partnerships forward—from dialogue to action for animal welfare, climate adaptation and sustainable development in Africa. Thank you, Zambia, for hosting us! 🇿🇲 #AAWC2026 #AAWCZambia #AnimalWelfare #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #AAWCLusaka – at Zambia

In the last session of the conference, Wachira Kariuki, Africa Network for Animal for Animal Welfare read out the conference resolutions. #AAWC2026 #AAWCZambia #AnimalWelfare #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #AAWCLusaka – at Zambia

Q and A session #AAWC2026 #AAWCZambia #AnimalWelfare #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #AAWCLusaka – at Zambia

Panel Discussion: Advancing Animal Sentience through the Animal Welfare Strategy for Africa (AWSA) Towards an African Common Position The aternoon session featured an engaging panel discussion on advancing the recognition of animal sentience through the Animal Welfare Strategy for Africa (AWSA) and towards an African common position. The panel brought together diverse perspectives from animal welfare, veterinary medicine, policy, environmental law and One Health: Carolyn Guy, World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH); Dr. Elynn Njeri, Animal Welfare Expert, AU-IBAR; Rt. Hon. Lord Zac Goldsmith, Advisory Council Member, United Kingdom; Susan Millward, Chief Executive Officer, Animal Welfare Institute; Dr. Hadgu Mendefro Berehu, DVM, MSc, PhD, Director of the Ethiopian Livestock Identification and Traceability System (ET-LITS) and Animal Welfare at the Ministry of Agriculture; Dr. Hiver Boussini, Senior Expert in Animal Health, One Health and Animal Welfare; Jim Karani Riungu, Environmental Lawyer, Criminologist and Carbon Markets Expert. A key message from Dr. Hiver Boussini highlighted the broader significance of recognizing animal sentience: “Animal sentience is not a luxury for us; it is a productivity market and a One Health necessity.” #AAWC2026 #AAWCZambia #AnimalWelfare #AnimalSentience #OneHealth #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #AAWCLusaka – at Zambia

Dr. Elynn Njeri from AU-IBAR engaged delegates on “Implementing the Pan-African Strategy for Donkey Conservation, Welfare and the AU Continental Moratorium in Africa.” She also shared insights on the status of the operationalization of the APAW Governance Platform and future actions, highlighting the importance of coordinated continental efforts to strengthen donkey conservation and welfare. #AAWC2026 #AAWCZambia #AnimalWelfare #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #AAWCLusaka – at Zambia

Day 3 opened with Dr. Obadiah Sing’oei from The Donkey Sanctuary, who spoke on “Plastic Pollution, Animal Welfare and One Health.” Highlighting the interconnected impacts of plastic pollution on animals, particularly working equids. #AAWC2026 #AAWCZambia #AnimalWelfare #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #AAWCLusaka – at Zambia

A special acknowledgement to our Day 2 moderators! Naomi Higham, Working Animals International; Wachira Kariuki, Africa Network for Animal Welfare; Dr. Ntombi B. Mudenda, University of Zambia; Zack Strong, Animal Welfare Institute; Samuel Theuri, The Brooke – East Africa. #AAWC2026 #AAWCZambia #AnimalWelfare #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #AAWCLusaka – at Zambia

Happening now: Documentary Screening "WHAT FEEDS US" by The Humane World for Animals. A documentary exploring South Africa's food systems. #AAWC2026 #AAWCZambia #AnimalWelfare #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #AAWCLusaka

Isaiah Otieno from United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) took delegates through Opportunities for Major Groups to Engage at UNEP and UNEA. #AAWC2026 #AAWCZambia #AnimalWelfare #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #AAWCLusaka – at Zambia

The final session of Day 2 focused on the role of research, innovation, education and community stewardship in advancing sustainable animal welfare. The session explored: -Building Sustainable Animal Welfare Through Education, Sterilization, Vaccination, and Collaboration -Advancing Animal Welfare and Public Health through Veterinary Leadership -Bridging Gaps in Applied Ethology in Africa: Translating Animal Behavior and Welfare Science for Diverse Stakeholders -Community and Agricultural Practice Perspective Speakers included: Harriet Lukiya, Lusaka Animal Welfare Society; Dr. Eugene Chisela Bwalya, Veterinary Association of Zambia; Dr. Iyasere Oluwaseun, WTS and Tozie Zokufa, Coalition of African Animal Welfare Organizations. #AAWC2026 #AAWCZambia #AnimalWelfare #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #AAWCLusaka – at Zambia

Panel Discussion: Protecting Donkeys, Safeguarding Livelihoods: Law, Research and Multi-Agency Action The discussion examined the role of law, research and multi-agency action in addressing the challenges facing donkeys and the communities that depend on them. Panelists included: -Dr. Raphael Kinoti, The Brooke – East Africa -Dr. Dickson Gitonga, National Crime Research Centre (NCRC) -Dr. Elynn Njeri, AU-IBAR -Dr. Maryanne Mwimali, Directorate of Veterinary Services (DVS) #AAWC2026 #AAWCZambia #AnimalWelfare #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #AAWCLusaka – at Zambia

A heartfelt thank you to the National Resources Development College (NRDC)! We sincerely appreciate the NRDC students who volunteered their time and supported the smooth running of the 10th Africa Animal Welfare Conference (AAWC 2026) in Lusaka, Zambia. #AAWC2026 #AAWCZambia #AnimalWelfare #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #AAWCLusaka – at Zambia

Solomon Onyango, Donkey Sanctuary opened the afternoon session with a talk on the Contribution of Donkeys to Human Wellbeing in Africa. #AAWC2026 #AAWCZambia #AnimalWelfare #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #AAWCLusaka – at Zambia

Q and A session #AAWC2026 #AAWCZambia #AnimalWelfare #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #AAWCLusaka – at Zambia

Session 5 also featured a panel discussion on “Implications of Ventilation Shutdown as an Approach to Depopulation,” bringing together: Gwendolen Reyes-Illg, Animal Welfare Institute; Jeffrey Hill, MSc, Livestock Welfare Strategies LLC (LWS); Sara Shields, PhD, Humane World for Animals, who joined virtually and Dr. Kenneth Chawinga, Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, Animal Welfare Focal Point, Zambia The panel highlighted the importance of moving away from methods that cause prolonged suffering, anxiety, pain and distress, and emphasized the need for approaches that place animal welfare at the centre of decision-making. #AAWC2026 #AAWCZambia #AnimalWelfare #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #AAWCLusaka – at Zambia

Session Five: Integrating Animal Welfare into Policy, Finance, and One Health Systems Session Five of the 10th Africa Animal Welfare Conference (AAWC 2026) explored the importance of integrating animal welfare into policy, development cooperation, financing and One Health systems. Dr. Paul Ssuna, AWeCCA, shared insights on “Animal Welfare in Development Cooperation – Achievements and Lessons from the Joint Programme of AWeCCA and WTS” highlighting lessons from collaborative efforts to advance animal welfare through development cooperation. Sebastian Mwanza, Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW) spoke on “The Power of Media Advocacy to Drive Animal Welfare Policy Change in Africa,” highlighting the role of media in amplifying animal welfare advocacy, raising awareness and bringing animal welfare issues into wider public and policy conversations. The session underscored the importance of strategic partnerships, effective communication and stronger integration of animal welfare into development and policy frameworks to drive meaningful and lasting change. #AAWC2026 #AAWCZambia #AnimalWelfare #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #AAWCLusaka – at Zambia

Delegates also had the opportunity to interact with the panel, ask questions and share their perspectives, contributing to a dynamic exchange of ideas around the recognition, inclusion and welfare of working animals. #AAWC2026 #AAWCZambia #AnimalWelfare #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #AAWCLusaka – at Zambia

Session Four: Impossible to Overlook? Counting Working Animals for Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development The first session of Day 2 at the 10th Africa Animal Welfare Conference (AAWC 2026) focused on the often-overlooked role and plight of working animals and the importance of recognizing them in climate resilience, policymaking and sustainable development. The session explored: -Counting Working Animals for Climate Resilience and Sustainable Development -Drought Response Interventions with Working Animals and Communities in Kenya -Ethiopia’s progress in incorporating working animals into policymaking, evidence-based data systems and socioeconomic development agendas Speakers included: Sam Whyte, Head of Advocacy - Working Animals International; Dr. Erick Mutizhe - AWARE Trust Zimbabwe and Working Animals International; Josphat Ekuam, Program Manager - Utunzi Africa; Hika Waktole, Executive Dean - Addis Ababa University A key message from the all speakers was what isn't counted isn't valued and Josphat Ekuam, emphasised the need to shift how working animals are perceived and represented: “We need to change the narrative from invisibility to inclusivity.” The discussions reinforced the need for better data, stronger policies and inclusive development approaches that recognize working animals and address their welfare needs. #AAWC2026 #AAWCZambia #AnimalWelfare #WorkingAnimals #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #AAWCLusaka – at Zambia