13 - 17 July 2026
FANRPAN Participates in Inaugural African Pastoral Markets Forum in Addis Ababa
From 13 to 17 July 2026, FANRPAN participated in the inaugural African Pastoral Markets Forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Convened by the African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) through the African Pastoral Markets Development (APMD) Platform, with support from the Gates Foundation, the Forum brought together ministers and senior government representatives from 14 African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities, pastoral community representatives, producer organisations, livestock enterprises, financial institutions, development partners and research organisations.
Held under the theme “Positioning Africa’s Pastoral Livestock Economy as a Strategic Economic Asset and Driver of Trade, Investment, Resilience and Regional Integration”, the Forum examined how African countries can strengthen livestock trade, mobilise investment and build more competitive and inclusive pastoral market systems. Discussions covered enabling policy, market infrastructure, enterprise development, financing, digital systems and market data, animal health and sanitary and phytosanitary measures, and the management of water, rangelands and trade corridors.
A major focus was livestock identification and traceability. Participants emphasised that Animal Identification and Traceability Systems (AITS) can improve disease surveillance, strengthen certification and food safety, support compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, and expand access to domestic and export markets. Against the backdrop of recurring Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) risks in eastern and southern Africa, country experiences from Botswana, Namibia and South Africa illustrated the importance of reliable traceability for rapid detection, containment and recovery, and for maintaining confidence in livestock trade.
FANRPAN was represented by Dr Rachel Mkandawire, who contributed to discussions on evidence-informed policy, regional collaboration and stakeholder engagement. Her participation highlighted the need to connect One Health, biosecurity, climate adaptation and trade facilitation, while ensuring that market reforms respond to the realities and priorities of pastoral communities.
The Forum concluded with the adoption of a ministerial communiqué setting out eight areas for action. These include strengthening enabling policy and trusted trade, investing in regional livestock value chains and public goods, improving data and market intelligence, mobilising finance and investment, embedding resilience and inclusion, and establishing mechanisms for implementation and accountability. The communiqué provides a basis for coordinated follow-up by African Union Member States, Regional Economic Communities and partners.
FANRPAN remains committed to working with the African Union, Regional Economic Communities and national partners to strengthen policy coherence, support safe and efficient intra-African livestock trade, and advance resilient food systems that improve pastoral livelihoods. The Forum’s outcomes also contribute to the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area, the Kampala CAADP Declaration and Agenda 2063.