Forests and trees play a critical role in addressing some of Africa’s most pressing policy priorities, including climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and economic development. Forest ecosystems also play a vital role in supporting the implementation of major continental and global frameworks, including the African Union Agenda 2063 and the African Forest Landscape Restoration Initiative (AFR100). As governments across the continent develop and implement policies related to forests, landscapes, and natural resources, the need for timely, reliable, and policy-relevant scientific information has become increasingly important. Addressing these challenges requires stronger science-policy interfaces capable of translating scientific knowledge into actionable policies and management strategies. 

In response to this need, the Regional Science-Policy Information Networks (SPIN) initiative of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO) was established to strengthen the interface between scientific knowledge and policymaking at regional level. SPIN aims to create trusted platforms where policymakers and scientists can engage in structured dialogue, exchange perspectives, and jointly identify priorities where scientific evidence can support decision-making. 

The SPIN Africa Regional Science-Policy Dialogue will provide a dedicated platform for policymakers to engage directly with scientists, discuss emerging policy priorities, and identify areas where scientific knowledge can support decision-making. As a regional forum bringing together scientists and decision-makers for open science-policy exchange, the dialogue aims to strengthen trust, improve the relevance of scientific outputs for policy processes, and promote more effective collaboration between the scientific and policy communities. The event will be hosted by the Ethiopian Forestry Development (EFD) and will be held at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, a key hub for regional governance and the seat of the African Union, offering an excellent opportunity to engage both national and regional decision-makers in discussions on forest-related challenges and opportunities in Africa. 

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