The President of the Consortium of African Funds for the Environment (CAFÉ), Professor Théophile Zognou, has called for Conservation Trust Funds to become central pillars of conservation financing in Africa, emphasising the need for sustainable, innovative and locally driven financing mechanisms.
In an interview reflecting on CAFÉ’s 16th General Assembly, held from 28 September to 2 October 2026 in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau, Professor Zognou highlighted the importance of strengthening Conservation Trust Funds, leveraging environmental taxation and expanding innovative financing solutions to reduce the continent’s dependence on external funding.
He also underscored the importance of placing local communities at the heart of conservation efforts to ensure that financing mechanisms contribute to lasting conservation outcomes and sustainable livelihoods.
Read the full interview: https://bit.ly/3W3RFRv