BCC is back in Kigali this year...

Aug 29-31, 2023

The Business of Conservation Conference is a convention hosted by the African Leadership University School of Wildlife Conservation, in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB) - aimed to catalyse economic development in Africa through the sustainable utilisation of wildlife resources by gathering influential leaders to collaborate in ways that promote and unlock the potential of Africa's wildlife economy.

BCC 2023 will serve as a powerful platform for influencing key decision-makers, propagating powerful ideas to build resilience, and driving tangible collaboration through networking opportunities with the most influential African and global leaders for the benefit of Africa's economy, its people and its wildlife.

Why BCC?

Our goal is to influence current leaders in politics, business, government, technology, philanthropy, media etc. such that they prioritise conservation issues that threaten the quality of life for current and future generations. This is urgent as time and resources are disappearing at an alarming rate. We also aim to identify young Africans with leadership potential and develop them into highly capable leaders who will ensure a sustainable future for one of Africa's most valuable resources - wildlife. 

Our objectives this year include;

Based on the belief that Africa’s wildlife offers a unique competitive advantage and an economic opportunity for the continent, BCC is a platform for academics, experts, employers, entrepreneurs, innovators, donors, investors, ALU students and alumni to share ideas and best practices, develop networks and forge new partnerships. BCC 2023 will aim to equip participants with cutting-edge knowledge, ideas and tools to transform conservation into an economic growth opportunity for Africa.

To effectively make a business case for conservation, we must have data about the value-add of Africa's biodiversity. To this end, the Wildlife Economy Centre for Africa (WECA) at the SOWC  research gathers data and information that illustrates the value of wildlife to economies and by extension, encourages investment in this crucial economic asset.  At BCC, SOWC will provide intellectual value in the form of up-to-date statistics about Africa's wildlife economy and will also host media and decision-makers from across the public and private sectors at all levels to debate and discuss our findings and to uncover tangible actions for unlocking and growing the wildlife economy across the continent. SOWC will also launch its flagship Wildlife Economy Investment Index (WEII), which will become a tool for countries to unlock the potential of their wildlife economies and thereby attract investment into conservation.

One of SOWC's primary objectives is to develop and equip conservation leaders for Africa. The conference provides an incredible opportunity for the school to explain how it intends to create the next generation of African conservation leadership, working closely with partners across the continent to identify and nurture future talent.

Sponsor BCC 2023

Make a difference and be a part of something impactful. We would love for you to partner with us through various sponsorship packages at BCC 2023.

By sponsoring our event, you will have the opportunity to make a positive impact in the sector and gain valuable exposure for your brand. We have attached our sponsorship document below for you to learn more about the various benefits and opportunities available to you. Don't miss out on this chance to be a part of our conference and help shape the future of the sector.

Agenda

At the Business of Conservation Conference convened by the African Leadership University  School of Wildlife Conservation, in partnership with the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), we convene influential leaders to collaborate in tangible ways that promote Africa’s wildlife economy and catalyze economic development.

It is not a meeting about conservation for conservation’s sake. It instead provides a practical ‘how to’ guide for African economic development through conservation. It is a gathering to discuss ways of investing in wildlife and its habitat so that African people can derive economic and cultural value from it. Ultimately, BCC helps catalyze an abundant future for one of Africa’s greatest untapped sources of wealth

Nominate your hero

Diane Skinner, the Executive Director of the Painted Wolf Foundation was a passionate and dedicated conservationist who worked tirelessly to protect endangered species and their habitats. Diane succumbed to cancer on 10 August 2022. Although only 41, Diane leaves behind a stellar legacy of global efforts to conserve not only African wild dogs but also chimpanzees, elephants, rhinos, pangolins and other charismatic fauna in Africa. Her contribution to conservation was significant. 

As her legacy, the Painted Wolf Foundation and the School of Wildlife Conservation have set up this award scheme to recognise Diane’s contribution to conservation. This award will celebrate people like Diane, who work selflessly for conservation, focused on the wildlife and not themselves.

The winning candidate will be invited to Kigali, Rwanda to attend the African Leadership University’s School of African Wildlife, Business of Conservation Conference at the end of August 2023. Their flights and Accommodation will be covered, and they will be presented the award on stage at the end of the conference.

Save on conference registration!

Discounted rates are available until May 14th, 2023

$100

Standard Registration fee from May 15th, 2023

$200

Special discounted rates are available for students

Who attends?

Partners

Where?

Kigali Convention Centre

The centre is situated in the heart of the city with easy access to Kigali International Airport and the city centre.