The Southern African Wildlife College (SAWC) continues to play an active role in shaping the future of African conservation through high-level global engagements.
Tusk Conservation Symposium
From 2–6 March 2026, our CEO, Theresa Sowry, represented the College at the Tusk Conservation Symposium in Zimbabwe. The event brought together conservation leaders, practitioners, and partners from across Africa. Organised by the conservation charity Tusk, the symposium provided an important platform for sharing ideas, strengthening partnerships, and advancing collaborative approaches to wildlife conservation.
Held in Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park, the event combined conference discussions with field-based learning. Participants included representatives from conservation organisations, wildlife authorities, Non-Governmental Organisations, and philanthropic partners who are working to protect Africa’s biodiversity and support community-led conservation initiatives.
Under the theme “Leading Change: The Next Chapter in African Conservation,” the symposium explored key issues shaping the future of conservation on the continent. Discussions focused on strengthening organisational resilience, improving communication and collaboration, integrating conservation with global climate and biodiversity goals, and leveraging technology to support wildlife protection.
The programme included panel discussions, workshops, case studies, and networking sessions, allowing participants to exchange experiences and practical solutions from projects across Africa. Field visits in Hwange National Park also provided opportunities to engage directly with conservation efforts on the ground.
The symposium was hosted by Painted Dog Conservation, with facilitation by Maliasili and support from the Nick Maughan Family Foundation.
By bringing together diverse expertise and perspectives, the Tusk Conservation Symposium 2026 reinforced the importance of collaboration, innovation, and locally led solutions in addressing the complex conservation challenges facing Africa today.
Business of Conservation Conference
Simultaneously, Dr Thabang Teffo and Dr Kudakwashe Musengi proudly represented the SAWC at the Business of Conservation Conference in Nairobi, Kenya. Dr Thabang Teffo, Thematic Lead for Nature-Based Economy and Community-Led Conservation Practices, participated in a plenary fireside chat on 5 March titled “Preparing for the Future / Leading the Way – Succession Planning and Building Capacity.” He highlighted the importance of intentional, holistic capacity building and embedding succession planning within strategic organisational frameworks.
The conference, hosted by the African Leadership University School of Wildlife Conservation, gathers leaders from conservation, finance, policy, and business to explore how Africa’s wildlife economy can support biodiversity protection and sustainable development.
