Africa Set to Advance Donkey Welfare at the Second Pan African Donkey Conference (PADCO-2)

@au-ibar2025

The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR), in collaboration with the Government of Côte d'Ivoire and strategic partners including the International Coalition for Working Equids (ICWE), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH), and Regional Economic Communities (RECs), will host the Second Pan African Donkey Conference (PADCO-2) from 26–27 June 2025 at the Radisson Blu Hotel Conference Centre in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

Under the theme "Africa’s Commitment in Policy and Practice to Donkey Preservation Now and in the Future," PADCO-2 will bring together over 200 high-level policymakers, experts, development partners, and animal welfare advocates to assess the progress made since the adoption of the African Union Moratorium on the Slaughter of Donkeys for Their Skins. The conference will also map out strategic actions to strengthen the sustainable management, protection, and welfare of Africa’s donkey populations.

Building on a Historic Milestone
The first Pan African Donkey Conference, held in 2022 in Dar es Salaam, marked a turning point in continental efforts to safeguard donkeys, leading to the adoption of the AU Moratorium (Decision X.CL/1471(XLIV)). This decision recognized the urgent need to protect donkey populations from the growing global demand for donkey skins, which threatens livelihoods, rural economies, and socio-economic resilience across Africa.
Shaping the Future: Strategy, Policy, and Action
PADCO-2 aims to:

●    Provide a platform for informed dialogue on policy options and practical measures to implement the AU Moratorium.
●    Validate the Draft Pan African Strategy for the preservation, welfare and sustainable utilization of donkeys.
●    Launch a Communication and Advocacy Framework to enhance awareness and action at national and regional levels.
●    Share scientific findings, best practices, and innovations supporting the sustainable management of donkeys.

The conference key sessions will focus on legislative frameworks, enforcement mechanisms, the socio-economic impact of the donkey skin trade, donkey production and productivity, humane treatment and welfare, and cross-border collaboration to combat illicit trade.

A Critical Moment for Donkey Welfare
Donkeys are lifelines for millions across Africa, supporting transport, agriculture, livelihoods, and climate resilience. PADCO-2 reaffirms Africa’s united commitment to protect and value these essential animals, ensuring their sustainable integration into rural economies and development agendas.
The conference will be conducted in a hybrid format, allowing for both in-person and virtual participation, ensuring broad stakeholder engagement.

About AU-IBAR
The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources (AU-IBAR) is a specialized agency of the African Union Commission, dedicated to supporting and coordinating the sustainable development of Africa’s animal resources. Through its work, AU-IBAR contributes to food security, economic growth, and environmental sustainability across the continent. As a continental leader in donkey preservation, AU-IBAR spearheaded the adoption of the AU Moratorium on the Slaughter of Donkeys for Their Skins, protecting these vital animals and the communities that depend on them. AU-IBAR continues to advance strategic frameworks—such as the Pan African Strategy for the Development of Donkey Species in Africa—and champions collaborative efforts with the International Coalition for Working Equids, Regional Economic Communities, Member States and development partners to improve donkey welfare, combat illicit trade, and integrate equine protection into national and regional development agendas.
Website: www.au-ibar.org & https://www.au-ibar.org/what-we-do/animal-health 

About the International Coalition for Working Equids (ICWE)
A worldwide alliance of prominent animal welfare organisations, the International Coalition for Working Equids (ICWE) is committed to enhancing the lives of working horses, donkeys, and mules. Made up of Brooke, The Donkey Sanctuary, SPANA, and World Horse Welfare, the coalition cooperatively pushes policies, supports humane treatment, and improves community education and veterinary services. ICWE works with local stakeholders, development organisations, and governments to make sure working equids are acknowledged as essential contributions to sustainable development, food security, and livelihoods in low- and middle-income nations.
Website: https://www.icweworkingequids.org/ 

For More Information on Donkey Preservation and the Upcoming Conference, 
Please Contact:
Dr Hiver Boussini, Head of Unit, Animal Health and Welfare
The African Union Inter-African Bureau for Animal Resources
Email: hiver.boussini@au-ibar.org

Drr. Raphael Kinoti 
The Brooke East Africa/ Focal Point ICWE
Email: Raphael.Kinoti@thebrookeeastafrica.org

Additional Readings
Donkey Conference Website: https://panafricandonkeyconference.org/ 
Decision X.CL/1471(XLIV): https://networks.au-ibar.org/show/au-ibar/file/8117