From 05–07 August 2025, land governance leaders, researchers, policymakers, and youth representatives from across Africa gathered for the Closing Workshop of the Strengthening Land Governance in Africa (SLGA) Programme in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The event marked the culmination of GIZ’s decade-long support to the African Union’s land governance agenda through the African Land Policy Centre (ALPC) and the Network of Excellence on Land Governance in Africa (NELGA). It also presented the NELGA-Alumni Network to drive collaboration, advocacy and research. The Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) has played a central role as the NELGA Southern Africa Node headquarters, coordinating research, training, and collaboration across the region. Through NUST’s leadership and the support to the Institute for Land, Livelihoods and Housing, the Southern Africa Node has contributed to curriculum innovation, academic–government partnerships, and policy engagement, ensuring that land governance capacity building is rooted in local context and regional priorities. The event spotlighted youth leadership through the Youth Initiative for Land in Africa (YILAA) and country case studies illustrated the transformative impact of policy reform, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement. As a way forward, participants reaffirmed their commitment to building a sustainable, Africa-led land governance ecosystem. 

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