Africa Sustainable Commodities Initiative 9th Regional Meeting Highlights

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Africa Sustainable Commodities Initiative 9th Regional Meeting Highlights

The 9th Regional Meeting of the Africa Sustainable Commodities Initiative (ASCI) convened in Accra from the 6^th to 7^th May 2025, reaffirming the platform’s role in driving transformational change in sustainable commodity production across Africa. The event brought together government officials, private sector actors, civil society organisations, and representatives from all ten ASCI member countries. Co-hosted by Proforest and Solidaridad, the meeting underscored the initiative’s commitment to forest protection, good governance, transparency, and the rights of communities and indigenous peoples.

Key Messages from Donors and Partners

Demonstrated Policy Impact and Regional Leadership

In his address, Abraham Baffoe, Global and Africa Director of Proforest emphasised ASCI’s transformative role in advancing agricultural production while protecting human rights and natural resources. He cited concrete progress, including the legal integration of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) in Liberia, Edo State (Nigeria), and the Republic of Congo - landmark developments that signal a growing commitment to community rights and sustainable land governance.

Strengthening Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships

ASCI continues to thrive as a cross-sectoral platform, enabling peer learning, innovation sharing, and coordinated action across borders. Solidaridad reiterated its alignment with ASCI’s vision through joint implementation of the NISCOPS programme with IDH. This initiative aims to deliver sustainable landscape management and improved livelihoods for smallholder farmers, particularly in the oil palm sector.

ASCI Alignment with International Development Priorities

International partners acknowledged alignment with global climate and development goals:

UK Government: Richard Sandall, Director for Development at the British High Commission, praised the evolution from APOI to ASCI and reaffirmed UK support, citing synergy with the UK’s forest conservation and sustainable trade priorities.

Swiss Cooperation: Magdalena Wuest, Head of Cooporation of the Swiss Embassy highlighted Switzerland’s ongoing collaboration with Proforest and partners like NIRAS, noting the value of support to institutions such as Ghana’s Tree Crops Development Authority (TCDA).

Driving Responsible Investment and Smallholder Inclusion

Insights from Benso Oil Palm Plantation (BOPP) emphasised the importance of inclusive investment. Samuel Avaala, General Manager, urged the private sector to move beyond CSR and embrace partnership models that de-risk smallholder participation in sustainable supply chains. He stressed that smallholder voices must be central to decision-making.

ASCI News

Ekiti State Joins ASCI: Joining Edo State in Nigeria, Ekiti State was present at the meeting and shared that it has witnessed enhanced collaboration between agricultural and forestry sectors, leading to greater private sector engagement.

Global Recognition of Collective Effort:

The meeting concluded with a celebration of ASCI’s global impact as Abraham Baffoe presented the Schwab Foundation 2025 Award for Collective Social Innovators, received on behalf of ASCI at the World Economic Forum in Davos. The award places ASCI among a global community of nearly 500 social innovators whose work reaches over 930 million people worldwide.

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ASCI’s achievements reflect a growing momentum for country-led, inclusive, and climate-smart approaches to commodity production. As the platform continues to scale its efforts, support from donors, development partners, and private sector actors is critical to sustaining this trajectory. Continued investment in policy development, institutional capacity, and smallholder integration will accelerate ASCI’s mission to transform landscapes while improving lives.

For more information: Africa Sustainable Commodities Initiative

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