Africa Animal Welfare Conference

Annual conference discussing issues on animal welfare and environmental conservation.

[Africa Animal Welfare Conference @AAWConference]

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

[Africa Animal Welfare Conference @AAWConference]

Volunteers play a vital role in advancing animal welfare, addressing climate change, promoting sustainable development, and championing other worthy causes and this was no different at 10th Africa Animal Welfare Conference (AAWC 2026).

Their participation and various roles they took up behind the scenes, helped ensure the smooth running of the conference. Their dedication, alongside the active participation of students and other young people, demonstrated the power of youth engagement in building a better world for people, animals, and the planet.

It is clear that the message from the conference is that its time to move to action to ensure our shared goals.

#AAWC2026 #AAWCZambia #AnimalWelfare #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #AAWCLusaka

[Africa Animal Welfare Conference @AAWConference]

As we reflect on the 10th Africa Animal Welfare Conference, we extend our heartfelt appreciation to the conference secretariat for their incredible work behind the scenes and attention to detail in ensuring the smooth running of AAWC 2026.

To all our delegates, thank you for taking the time to attend, actively participate, share your knowledge, and contribute to meaningful conversations on advancing animal welfare across Africa and beyond. Your presence and engagement made this conference truly impactful.

#AAWC2026 #AAWCZambia #AnimalWelfare #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #AAWCLusaka

[Africa Animal Welfare Conference @AAWConference]

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

[Africa Animal Welfare Conference @AAWConference]

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

[Africa Animal Welfare Conference @AAWConference]

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

[Africa Animal Welfare Conference @AAWConference]

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

[Africa Animal Welfare Conference @AAWConference]

Q and A session

#AAWC2026 #AAWCZambia #AnimalWelfare #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #AAWCLusaka

[Africa Animal Welfare Conference @AAWConference]

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

[Africa Animal Welfare Conference @AAWConference]

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

[Africa Animal Welfare Conference @AAWConference]

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

[Africa Animal Welfare Conference @AAWConference]

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

[Africa Animal Welfare Conference @AAWConference]

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

[Africa Animal Welfare Conference @AAWConference]

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

[Africa Animal Welfare Conference @AAWConference]

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

[Africa Animal Welfare Conference @AAWConference]

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

[Africa Animal Welfare Conference @AAWConference]

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

[Africa Animal Welfare Conference @AAWConference]

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

[Africa Animal Welfare Conference @AAWConference]

Q and A session

#AAWC2026 #AAWCZambia #AnimalWelfare #ClimateAction #SustainableDevelopment #AAWCLusaka

[Africa Animal Welfare Conference @AAWConference]

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

[Africa Animal Welfare Conference @AAWConference]

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