GEN Africa

The Global Ecovillage Network Africa (GEN Africa) promotes social resilience, food security, environmental protection and restoration of nature through ecovillages as models for sustainable settlements. Its goal is to help African villages and communities become more sustainable and resilient by increasing local food production, integrating renewable energy and advocating for sustainable development at local, regional and national levels. Formed in 2012 in Egypt during a meeting of development practitioners, GEN Africa is legally registered as a non-profit in Ghana and Senegal. It is among the few institutions in Africa focusing on transforming communities into learning hubs. With over 120 members across 27 African countries (NGOs, CSOs, traditional communities, learning centres, schools, permaculture farms, etc.), GEN Africa serves as a coordinating platform, enabling members to undertake joint initiatives, share experiences and draw on synergies for sustainable action. Governance is provided by a six-member Board of Directors, while a secretariat with three staff and four volunteers manages daily operations. Members, staff and board bring strong experience in creating rural and urban learning centres in their countries. GEN Africa applies ecovillage, permaculture and regenerative livelihood concepts, with hubs across Africa showcasing innovative, locally rooted solutions to climate change. Over the past decade, it has advanced the Pan-African Ecovillage Development Programme (PAEDP), advocating for governments to integrate ecovillage approaches into national development plans. So far, seven MoUs have been signed, five in-country visits conducted and 15 baseline studies completed. Demonstration sites showcase innovations such as sand dams in Tanzania, water retention and seed networks in Kenya, renewable energy, reforestation, eco-buildings, efficient cookstoves, fair trade products in Ghana/Cameroon, herbal medicine in Nigeria/Egypt, and green schools.