Zámba Heritage Initiative Congress to accelerate action for forests across Africa

Africa’s forests – the backbone of climate resilience, biodiversity, and shared prosperity – are at a crossroads. Under the theme ‘From Commitment to Action: Africa’s Forest Legacy for All Forever,’ the Zámba Heritage Initiative Congress will convene government leaders, private sector actors, civil society, and development partners to accelerate action for sustainable forest management, restoration, and inclusive green growth across Africa. 

It will take place from 10–12 February 2026 at the JW Marriott Hotel in Nairobi, Kenya. You can register here.   

The Zámba Heritage Initiative Congress will: 

• Position African forests as a top priority in global climate negotiations and growth in sustainable forest management, carbon markets, and nature-based solutions. 
• Launch the Zámba Heritage Action Plan, a 10-year roadmap with clear targets to place 30 million hectares under sustainable management, restore 5 million hectares of degraded land, and unlock USD 400 million in finance for sustainable forest management. 
• Mobilize ambitious pledges from African governments, donors, and investors. 
• Strengthen partnerships among African nations, donors, impact investors, and conservation organizations. 
• Help to mainstream sustainability in African and global wood-based supply chains. 

Background 

Africa’s forests remain among the planet’s most vital ecological assets. The continent’s forest cover spans over 600 million hectares, around 20% of its land area and holds immense cultural richness. Despite their vast cultural, ecological, and economic value, many countries continue to face accelerating deforestation driven by agriculture, mining, and unregulated exploitation. These trends are already disrupting rainfall patterns, degrading biodiversity, and limiting economic benefits for the more than 400 million people who depend on these forests. 

The Zámba Heritage Initiative Congress, launched by FSC and partner governments, seeks to reverse these trends. Zámba – meaning ‘untamed wilderness’ in Lingala – focuses on sustainable forest management, land restoration, and innovative financing across the Congo Basin and West Africa, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, the African Union’s (AU) Agenda 2063 and the AU 2020–2030 Sustainable Forest Management Framework. 

Strengthening cooperation in Africa ahead of the Congress 

As momentum builds ahead of the Zámba Heritage Initiative Congress, countries across Africa are stepping up coordination with FSC. Learn more about recent discussions between FSC Africa and government representatives from Cameroon, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo here. 

Join the Congress to help transform the future of Africa’s forests: https://africa.fsc.org/en-cd/zamba-heritage-congress-2026-registration-form