AICA

05/10/2026

Today, AICA participated in the ACBA dialogue on “Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities: Differentiated Constituencies with Converging Interests.”

Representing AICA, Coordinator Bupe Banda shared AICA’s perspective on the ongoing discussion around the representation of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities in global biodiversity processes.

Our message was clear: recognising our distinct identities and rights does not have to divide our collective voice. Where our interests converge, we are stronger together.

Ultimately, global commitments must translate into meaningful participation, access to resources and tangible change for communities on the ground.

04/10/2026

What does the evolving recognition of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities as distinct constituencies mean for their participation, representation and influence in global environmental processes?

Join the African CSO Biodiversity Alliance (ACBA) for an engaging dialogue exploring these questions

📅 5 October 2026
⏰ 3:00 PM EAT
🔗 Link: bit.ly/4z0dHmA

Come and listen, engage and share your perspectives.

01/10/2026

Communities must be partners in Africa’s just energy transition!

Today, AICA’s Lamine Seidi joined a panel discussion at the 5th African Business and Human Rights Forum in Dakar, Senegal.

His contribution highlighted three important messages: fair benefit sharing for communities, meaningful participation and consent before agreements are signed, and a stronger voice for young people in decisions affecting their lands and natural resources.

Communities must not only benefit from development they must help shape it!

30/09/2026

Who benefits from Africa’s green transition?

Join AICA’s Lamine Seidi and fellow panellists at the 5th African Business & Human Rights Forum for an important conversation on fair benefit sharing, community rights and responsible business conduct in Africa’s energy transition.

As renewable energy, carbon markets and biodiversity finance expand across Africa, communities must be more than beneficiaries — they must be rights-holders, decision-makers and partners.

📅 1 October 2026 | 10:40–12:00 GMT
📍 Salle Sine, Dakar

30/09/2026

Opening the 5th African Business and Human Rights Forum in Dakar, Senegal

Opening remarks from the Government of Senegal, UN representatives and other keynote speakers carried several messages that resonate strongly with AICA’s work.

Across the speeches, there was a clear call for Africa’s pursuit of investment, infrastructure, industrialisation and economic growth to go hand in hand with respect for human rights and environmental protection. Speakers emphasised the need to strengthen human-rights and environmental due diligence, ensure meaningful participation of affected communities, protect land and natural-resource rights, and provide effective access to remedy when business activities cause harm.

For AICA, one message particularly stands out: development must not leave behind the Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities whose lands, resources, knowledge and livelihoods are directly affected by investment and development decisions.

As the Forum continues, AICA is contributing to these conversations with a simple but important message: Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities must be recognised not only as stakeholders to be consulted, but as rights-holders, knowledge holders, decision-makers and partners in Africa’s development.

From commitments to action — with communities at the centre.

29/09/2026

AICA is in Dakar, Senegal! 🇸🇳

AICA is participating in the 5th African Business and Human Rights Forum, bringing the voices and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities into conversations on business, human rights and environmental responsibility.

Across Africa, communities are custodians of lands, biodiversity and natural resources that increasingly intersect with business, investment and development. Their rights, knowledge and leadership must therefore be at the heart of decisions affecting these resources and their future.

AICA is here to contribute to that conversation — from communities being consulted, to communities being recognised as rights-holders, decision-makers and partners. 🤝🏾

23/09/2026

Strengthening FPIC in Africa: Lessons from Liberia

We are proud to see Mina Beyan, AICA Governing Council Member from Liberia, representing AICA at the Regional Dissemination Webinar on the UN Working Group Guidance on the Right of Indigenous Peoples to Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) in the Context of Business Activities.

Drawing from Liberia's experience, Mina reflected on the country's journey from exclusion to greater recognition of community land rights and participation in decision-making. Her message was clear: FPIC is not only about consultation, it is about empowering communities to shape decisions affecting their lands, livelihoods, and futures.

As Africa advances discussions on business, human rights, and Indigenous Peoples' rights, AICA continues to champion community-led governance, self-determination, and meaningful participation across the continent.

14/09/2026

Strengthening Indigenous Peoples’ Rights and FPIC in Africa

We are pleased to invite you to a Regional Dissemination Webinar on the UN Working Group Guidance on the Right of Indigenous Peoples to Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) in the context of business activities.

The webinar will explore practical implementation, key challenges, accountability, and meaningful participation in protecting Indigenous Peoples’ rights across Africa.

📅 22 September 2026
🕐 12:00–14:00 Kinshasa | 14:00–16:00 Nairobi
🌐 Online | English & French interpretation

Register here⁠: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_dGmPbI6hRF-dBExbMs4kng

01/09/2026

26/08/2026

AICA at UNCCD COP17 | Amplifying Pastoralist Voices

On Day 9 of UNCCD COP17, Ole Kaunga, Director of IMPACT Kenya, a Maasai leader and member of AICA, joined the Joint Press Conference of Indigenous Peoples, Women, Youth and Civil Society Organizations.

He emphasized the need to place the rights, knowledge and leadership of Indigenous Peoples and pastoralist communities at the centre of land restoration and decision-making.

His message is clear: those who steward the land must have a meaningful voice in shaping its future.

Restoring Land. Restoring Hope.