Pre G8 conference -land parallel session : talking notes Carlos Lopes Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary

Abstract

A global partnership and support for increased transparency in land governance has great implications for Africa, which holds 60% of the unutilized land for agriculture with most recent large scale land acquisitions occurring on the continent. Recent data released under the Land Matrix Project just this past week, shows that there are about 206 recorded land deals involving foreign investors under signed contracts in Africa covering an area of about 20.4421.4 million hectares. Should current negotiations be concluded, another 82 such deals are set to come into effect. This figure does not even include deals under oral agreements or cases where interest has already been expressed. It is in Africa’s best interest therefore to provide an environment that facilitates realization of economic and social benefits from such investments while conserving Africa’s production base.