Kutlo Motseta
2nd November 2025
Botswana is hosting the ‘1st Africa Biodiversity Summit,’ which is themed “leveraging, biodiversity for prosperity” at Arirang Conference Centre in Tlokweng.
Dr Oduetse Koboto, who is a former Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Wildlife and Tourism, explained why Botswana’s may have been considered to host the conference.
“Botswana has a successive history for conservation, it still remains a success story in conservation, it’s easier for Botswana as it it attracts people that are conversant with bio-diversity,” said Koboto.
Professor Jonathaan Hutton, who has over 40 years of experience in global biodiversity, emphasised the importance of African unity and Africa’s pivotal role in biodiversity.
“Africa’s biodiversity is widely viewed to be a global asset and should be a global responsibility,” said Hutton. In view of Africa’s position as a holder of a critical biodiversity resource, Professor Hutton said that Africa’s leadership role should not be viewed proportionately, but implored African countries to unite in order to take a global leadership role and for African leaders to take charge.
“Africa’s influence in the global biodiversity governance remains restricted …. [we have] under resourced delegates … incohesive unity … fragmentation on any issue weakens Africa’s bargaining power,” said Hutton.
He added that Africa’s efforts in the endeavour to raise US$ 30 billion by 2030 is indicative of the continent’s successes, but lamented that fragmentation remains an issue in playing a decisive role in global governance affairs, quoting the African proverb, “if you want to walk far walk together”.
Dr Koboto, elaborated on the issue of African unity.
“The situation is slowly improving …. We are seeing more and more coordination mechanisms, such as the Africa Group of Negotiators. Not all MEA‘s have the structures, but for those that have we have seen progress,” said Koboto.
Kboto said, “We know how difficult it is to coordinate on a continental level, because of the divergence of national interests … so we may not be able to influence the way we want … Learning from each other is one thing we need to strengthen to achieve impact on scale.”
With regards to solidifying African unity and the importance of the summit, Dr Koboto added: “We are stronger together and processes identifying Africa’s priorities in a summit like this one … once we have done this it is easier to identify our communalities … positions …. [and] coordination becomes seamless.”
Ms. Sibongile Mavimbela, who is the Head of Environment and Climate Change at SADC, also emphasized the importance of African unity for Africa’s voice to be heard.
“My message is that if we stand together and work internally, we can outvote any voting bloc in the world … Africa must speak with one voice and change the narrative for global processes to be influenced by Africa,” said Mavimbela.
With regards to the importance of public education and awareness, News Editor at Duma FM, Leatile Mmutle said, “When we travel, the media should be second on the list … when we train them, we should select those that we think know the agenda.”
