The Land Policy Initiative (LPI) organized the inaugural Conference on Land Policy in Africa, which was held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 11 to 14 November 2014, on the theme “The next decade of land policy in Africa: ensuring agricultural development and inclusive growth.” This theme was selected in support of the declaration of 2014 by the African Union as the “Year of Agriculture and Food Security in Africa”.

Despite land being considered a topical issue for the African development agenda, no major land event was previously organized on the continent. The Conference on Land Policy in Africa, to be held biennially, will respond to the need to have a continental land policy platform. The Conference is intended to have a catalytic effect in creating a forum for presenting research activities, and focusing the attention of a comprehensive range of stakeholders on the issues and status of land policy in Africa.

The Conference will provide an opportunity for showcasing emerging and promising practices, and facilitating networking among land experts and land professionals in Africa. The conference will meet the existing need of African stakeholders, and complement existing initiatives. The format of the Conference includes plenary and parallel sessions, side events, panel discussions, and exhibitions.