The Kick-off Meeting for the Southern Africa region of the Enhancing Research for Africa Network (ERFAN II) took place on 23–24 June 2026 in Gaborone, Botswana, bringing together representatives of the network to officially launch project activities in the region.

The two-day meeting gathered around 40 participants, including representatives of partner institutions, coordinators of the ERFAN Working Groups, Chief Veterinary Officers (CVOs) or their delegates from several member countries, and representatives of the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH).

Among the participants were Gregorio Torres, Head of WOAH’s Science and Disease Management Department, and Moetapele Letshweny, WOAH Sub-Regional Representative for Southern Africa, whose participation highlighted the importance of strengthening regional collaboration to address animal health challenges.

The meeting provided an opportunity to review the objectives and work plans of the thematic Working Groups, discuss regional priorities, and agree on the roadmap for the implementation of activities over the coming months. Particular attention was given to reinforcing cooperation among network members and promoting coordinated actions to enhance disease prevention, diagnosis and surveillance across Southern Africa.

The Kick-off Meeting marked an important milestone for the network, strengthening collaboration among partners and laying the foundations for the implementation of joint activities that will further reinforce veterinary capacities and regional cooperation throughout Southern Africa.