The African Forest Landscape Initiative (AFR100), in which countries across the continent have together pledged to bring more than 100 million hectares of land under restoration by 2030 recently received a 75 Million Swedish krona (SEK) approximately USD 7 Million funding injection from the Swedish government, in a significant boost to its second phase 2023-2026. This renewed commitment comes as part of the global call for the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration, a movement to catalyze large-scale restoration projects and address the urgent environmental challenges faced by our planet. The funding injection serves as a powerful testament to the determination of stakeholders to rejuvenate AFR100 and propel it forward to achieve its ambitious goals.

This June, Lagos, Nigeria's bustling economic and cultural hub, was an ideal location for the 7th AFR100 Annual Partnership Meeting which showcased the commitment of African nations to restore degraded landscapes and promote sustainable development. This landmark event brought together key stakeholders, including government officials, policymakers, researchers, civil society organizations, and international partners, to discuss progress, share experiences, and chart a path forward for forest restoration efforts across the continent.

Africa's forests and landscapes face numerous challenges, including deforestation, degradation, and loss of biodiversity. Recognizing the critical importance of forests for climate regulation, water security, and livelihoods, the AFR100 initiative was launched in 2015 with the ambitious goal of restoring 100 million hectares of degraded land by 2030. The annual partnership meeting provides a platform to assess the progress made, identify bottlenecks, and forge collaborations to accelerate restoration efforts.

The meeting spanned several days and featured a range of activities designed to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and innovative solutions. The first ever AFR100 Annual Partnership Restoration Academy was held and equipped 45 Nigerian with skills in all things restoration. The new AFR100 website was also launched to attract additional partners, bolstering AFR100's collaborative network and showcasing successful projects on the ground.

There was also a visit to the best modality of restoration in Lagos with a visit to Lekki Conservation Centre. Participants also shared best practices, discussed scientific advancements, and explored ways to overcome challenges related to policy frameworks, financing mechanisms, and monitoring techniques during Road to 2030 matchmaking session. These partnerships are vital for mobilizing resources, sharing expertise, and scaling up restoration efforts across Africa. Lastly, the event concluded with a presentation by Land Accelerator Africa entrepreneurs and enterprises from Nigeria.

As AFR100 gains momentum through increased funding and strategic partnerships, it reinforces the notion that restoration is not merely a possibility but a necessity. It highlights the collective responsibility of nations, organizations, and individuals to take urgent action to reverse the damages inflicted on our planet's ecosystems and foster a more resilient and equitable future.

The major new bout of funding injected into AFR100 heralds an exciting phase for the initiative and underscores Africa's commitment to landscape restoration.