In October 2010, the African Union released a policy framework for pastoralism in Africa. This was confirmed by the Executive Council in January 2011. This framework is an important step forward for pastoral policy in Africa and provides a firm basis for policymaking across member states.

On behalf of the Director of the Department of Rural Economy and Agriculture at the African Union, Dr Abebe Haile Gabriel, Dr Hassane Mahamat Hassane presented the framework to the conference in the opening session. This provided an important focus for debate during the conference deliberations, and was central to the recommendations for the way forward.