Category: Webinar
Advancing Land Governance Education in Africa: A Toolkit for Transformative Curricula
On 24 April 2025, NELGA hosted a webinar featuring Dr. Désiré Tchigankong, who presented on the functions of a new toolkit developed by the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa NELGA to support the implementation of the AU Guidelines for the Development of Land Governance Curricula in Africa.
The toolkit aims to bridge persistent capacity gaps across African higher education institutions. Drawing from 26 AU-endorsed curriculum guidelines, it offers a structured, thematic approach to reviewing and designing academic programmes that reflect Africa’s socio-political, environmental, and economic land realities.
Dr. Tchigankong highlighted that many existing land governance curricula are imported and disconnected from the African context. The toolkit addresses this by empowering universities to localize content, build stronger links to policy processes, and ultimately produce graduates better equipped to lead in land policy development and implementation.
Already, over 20 universities have revised or launched new programmes using the guidelines. The toolkit is expected to deepen this momentum by making the adoption process more accessible and practical for institutions.
The webinar emphasized NELGA’s commitment to strengthening education systems as a cornerstone of effective, inclusive land governance across Africa, laying the foundation for a new generation of professionals ready to meet the continent’s land challenges head-on.
NELGA Knowledge Exchange Webinar Spotlights Mining, Land Governance, and Sustainability in Africa
On April 24, 2025, the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA) hosted a dynamic Knowledge Exchange (NEx) Webinar focused on “Mining, Land Governance, and Investments in Africa.” The virtual event brought together leading voices from academia, civil society, and development institutions to share insights on how to improve transparency, community engagement, and sustainability in Africa’s extractive sector.
The session opened with remarks from Nanny Wiechert the GIZ SLGA Program head, emphasizing the importance of land governance in managing Africa’s vast mineral wealth. Dr. Marc Anselme Kamga provided an in-depth overview of mining and land governance challenges across the continent, setting the stage for a series of expert presentations.
Dr. Anthony Nah highlighted good practices and sustainability strategies aligned with the African Mining Vision (AMV), while Dr. Yvon Ndala focused on the importance of transparency in the mining sector. Mr. Silas Nyagala stressed the need for strong land rights and meaningful community engagement in resource extraction processes.
The webinar drew attention to the Good Practice Guide developed by NELGA and emphasized actionable policy recommendations. With participation from over 40 professionals from different land sectors, the session reinforced the need for coordinated efforts to secure land, support climate action, and foster inclusive development.
NELGA continues to be a leading platform for advancing evidence-based land governance across Africa.
Rethinking Youth Access to Land: Key Takeaways from the NELGA Francophone Alumni Webinar
On February 10, 2025, the NELGA Alumni Network of Francophone West Africa (RANAF) hosted a webinar on youth access to land, highlighting the challenges faced by young people in securing land rights. The event featured alumni, experts, and stakeholders who shared insights from their field experiences, discussing issues like land scarcity, regional disparities in land access, and the need to expand youth engagement in land-based livelihoods beyond traditional agriculture.
Youth access to land is critical for driving employment, economic growth, and sustainable development in Africa. Yet, misconceptions about land availability, cultural practices, and the complexities of land tenure continue to impede progress. With varying regional contexts across Africa, it is crucial to develop solutions that address these unique challenges and ensure that youth have the opportunity to thrive through secure land rights.
The webinar these misconceptions about land tenure and emphasized the need to rethink youth’s relationship with land. Participants discussed that empowering youth, securing their land rights, and providing financial support to invest in land-based activities are essential to unlocking opportunities for economic growth. By focusing on diverse value chains, the discussion stressed the importance of context-specific strategies to create sustainable solutions for land governance, fostering a new generation of land stewards and innovators in Africa.
NELGA Knowledge Exchange Webinar Explores Climate Change and Land Governance
The NELGA Knowledge Exchange (NEx) Webinar on Climate Change and Land Governance, held on January 30, 2025, provided a platform for experts and researchers to discuss the critical intersection between climate change and land governance in Africa.
A key highlight was the special edition of the African Journal on Land Policy and Geospatial Sciences (AJLP-GS), which has reached over 10,000 readers worldwide.
The session featured insights from Prof. Moha EL-AYACHI (NELGA North Africa Coordinator), Prof. Patrick OPOKU (Guest Editor), and leading researchers, who presented findings from selected articles. Topics covered included land tenure systems in conflict zones, the impact of mining on land use, and smallholder farmers’ adaptation strategies to climate change.
The discussion emphasized the importance of integrating climate change considerations into land governance. Prof. El-Ayachi noted that the special issue is only the beginning of further research in this field.
The webinar also set the stage for the next NEx session on Gender and Land Governance, with recommendations to enhance outreach, panelist preparation, and audienceengagement. The announcement for the next AJLP-GS special issue is expected soon.
NELGA Staff Capacity Training Workshop on AI: Revolutionizing Land Governance and Education
The Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA) successfully hosted its Staff Capacity Training Workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) from June 5-6, 2024. Held in-person and virtually, this pioneering event brought together academic staff from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and affiliates from Anglophone West Africa to explore AI’s transformative potential in education and land governance.
Organized by the Centre for Settlements Studies and the Departments of Land Economy, Planning, and Geomatic Engineering, the workshop aimed to equip participants with the skills to integrate AI into teaching, research, and land management. The event emphasised the critical role of AI in enhancing personalised learning, advancing scholarly research, and streamlining administrative processes.
The training sessions, led by AI specialists, featured interactive discussions, case studies, and practical insights, enabling attendees to harness AI-driven solutions for efficient land data management and transparent governance. Participants also delved into the ethical considerations of AI, including issues of bias, privacy, and transparency, ensuring they are well-prepared to uphold ethical standards in their applications.
With 35 participants in attendance and additional virtual attendees, the workshop marked a significant step towards achieving the AU Agenda on Land.
Empowering Women: Webinar on Women’s Land Access Rights in North Africa
The Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA NA) organized a webinar focusing on “Women and land access rights in North Africa.” Held on March 28, 2024, the webinar aimed to shed light on the challenges and best practices surrounding women’s land rights in the region.
Throughout the event, leading experts from Mauritania, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt and Sudan shared their insights and experiences. Discussions covered various topics, including legal and social reforms, women’s empowerment, access to agricultural land, and the major constraints limiting women’s access to land.
Key highlights included Professor Abderrahim IDRAIS’s presentation on the challenges and opportunities of women’s access to land in Morocco and Professor Dina NAJIB’s insights into the policy framework for women’s access to land in Egypt.
The webinar attracted participants from public institutions, the private sector, civil society, universities, and international organizations. Attendees engaged in meaningful discussions and exchanged valuable perspectives on the various country’s contexts presented and on the socio-cultural, legal, institutional and financial challenges to women’s access to land in North Africa.
Overall, the webinar served as a platform for knowledge-sharing and collaboration, paving the way for future initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s land access rights in North Africa.
Unlocking Research Impact: NELGA Knowledge Exchange (NEx) Registration Open!
We are excited to announce the opening of registration for the NELGA Knowledge Exchange (NEx), in collaboration with the Land Portal Foundation. Join us on Thursday, December 7, from 14:00-15:00 EAT for a dynamic 1-hour Info Session.
NELGA and the Land Portal Foundation cordially invite researchers, policy makers, and land governance enthusiasts to delve into opportunities that enhance the visibility of research results.
Discover how your research can transcend boundaries through dedicated knowledge products edited and published by the Land Portal. Over the last four years, the Land Portal has effectively utilized “What to Read” digests and “Data Stories” to disseminate research advice and evidence to over 24,000 readers, including policy makers and practitioners.
Learn firsthand about the collaborative opportunity for NELGA researchers to contribute as guest writers, enhancing the reach of their work. This collaboration includes comprehensive supervision and wide dissemination through the Land Portal’s extensive network. With Insightful presentation by Romy Sato, Land Portal’s Knowledge Network Coordinator.
Don’t miss out on this chance to amplify your research impact. Register to the NEX now by sending a request to info@nelga.uneca.org
For more information, click here.
Register now! NELGA Exchange Forum on the MOOC “Land Tenure and Development” by the Comité Foncier Technique et Développement (CTFD)
We are delighted to invite you to the NELGA Knowledge Exchange Forum (NEx), scheduled to take place on November 15, 2023, from 12:00 to 13:15 (GMT). This virtual event, hosted on MS Teams, presents an excellent opportunity to delve into the realm of distance learning in the context of land governance in Africa.
The NELGA Knowledge Exchange Forum (NEx) serves as a dynamic platform uniting land specialists, policymakers, practitioners, students, and other stakeholders invested in land governance in Africa. Our primary goal is to facilitate the seamless exchange of information, ideas, and best practices concerning land administration in the African context. In this edition, we are excited to have the Comité Foncier Technique et Développement (CTFD) showcase their MOOC, “Land Tenure and Development.” Registration for this MOOC is now open and completely free! You can sign up via the link provided below (launch scheduled for Monday, November 13!): Registration link.
Speakers:
- Hélène Julien (AFD, CTFD co-president)
- Aurore Mansion (Gret, CTFD scientific secretariat)
To participate and secure your invitation, kindly send your request to info@nelga.uneca.org.
** Please Note that this edition of the Nex will be held entirely in French**
For additional details, please click here.
Registration Open: NELGA Knowledge Exchange Forum on Integrating Land Rights into National Agricultural Investment Plans
We are delighted to invite you to the NELGA Knowledge Exchange Forum (NEX) scheduled for October 19th, 2023, from 14:00 to 15:15 (EAT). This virtual event, hosted on MS Teams, promises a dynamic exploration of crucial themes surrounding land governance in the context of African agriculture.
NELGA’s Knowledge Exchange Forum is a pivotal platform uniting land specialists, policymakers, practitioners, students, and stakeholders in Africa’s land governance arena. Our focus is clear: to foster the exchange of insights, ideas, and best practices integral to African land administration. In this edition, our spotlight is on integrating land rights into National Agricultural Investment Plans (NAIP).
Agriculture’s vital role in Africa’s development spurred initiatives like CAADP and the Malabo Declaration. However, challenges persist, especially in addressing complex land tenure systems. The 3rd Biennial Review report of 2021 highlighted the need for comprehensive reforms. Our webinar addresses this gap by presenting findings from intensive studies in seven African countries.
Key Questions:
- How does ongoing NAIP implementation impact land governance in Africa?
- How inclusive are NAIP processes concerning fair and secure land ownership rights?
- What capacity development is crucial within land administration bodies to ensure secure land ownership rights in NAIPs?
Speakers: Join us for insights from esteemed scholars:
- Emmanuel Sulle, PhD: Assistant Professor & Director of Research, Aga Khan University, Tanzania
- Diane Tapimali: Researcher, Cameroon
How to Participate: To receive an invitation, kindly send a request to info@nelga.uneca.org. Register now and mark your calendar for October 19th, 2023!
For more information, click here.
Registration open! The State of Land Data: Transforming Africa into a Powerhouse of the Future
Date & Time: Jun 22, 2023, 03:00 PM EAT
Discover how effective land data governance can transform Africa into a powerhouse of the future! We invite you to join our engaging webinar, co-organized by GIZ, BMZ, and NELGA.
This webinar aims to empower researchers and practitioners across Africa by enhancing their understanding of sustainable approaches to land data governance. By showcasing the significance of robust land data governance, we will explore its potential to improve property rights and streamline government services.
Attendees will gain valuable insights into how enhanced data governance can foster ethical and transparent land-related activities for individuals, communities, businesses, and government agencies. The webinar will also present real-world examples of SOLI research conducted in Southern African countries through a collaborative effort between the Land Portal Foundation and NELGA researchers.
Language: English (Simultaneous interpretation available in French, Portuguese, and Spanish)
Don’t miss this opportunity to be a part of the journey towards unlocking Africa’s potential through effective land data management. Register Here.