One thought stayed with me throughout today’s Tree-Powered Bioeconomies in Africa Exchange hosted by @TheLandAlliance, @CIFOR @ICRAF : the success of Africa’s bioeconomy will not ultimately be determined by trees, finance, technology, or policy. It will be determined by people. Africa’s forests, landscapes, and biodiversity derive their true value from their ability to support livelihoods, create enterprises, strengthen food systems, and build resilient communities. Any bioeconomy worthy of the name must first work for the people who steward these assets every day. What was particularly encouraging was the strong consensus among fellow panellists from the European Commission, the Government of Kenya, Kenya Forestry Research Institute, Equity Group Foundation, and conservation organizations that no single institution can unlock this opportunity alone. Governments, researchers, businesses, investors, development partners, and communities each have a vital role to play. The challenge before us is not simply mobilizing capital or advancing innovation, but aligning these actors around a shared vision of inclusive and nature-positive growth. As Africa charts its economic future, we may also need to rethink where we locate our wealth. Some of our most valuable assets are not beneath the ground, but above it—in our forests, landscapes, biodiversity, and natural systems. The real opportunity is to ensure that the value generated from this natural capital is owned, shaped, and shared by Africans themselves. When people are placed at the centre, conservation is no longer a cost of development; it becomes a foundation for prosperity, resilience, and long-term economic transformation. Thank you for hosting us, and keep up the great work and insightful conversations - @elianeubalijoro, Peter Minang @ForestsMatter. @AWF_Official