By Golden Kang'oma

Salima, October 30, Mana: Malawi is hosting the 9th Annual Meeting of the Africa Wildlife Forensics Network (AWFN), bringing together forensic experts from across Africa to strengthen scientific approaches to combat wildlife crime.

Speaking on Wednesday during the official opening ceremony in Salima, the Deputy Minister of Local Government, Unity, and Culture, Owen Chomanika highlighted the urgent need for wildlife forensics in fighting poaching and trafficking.

“This meeting is crucial because it brings together African specialists in wildlife crime forensics. Wildlife crimes remain rampant, yet our investigations often lack scientific evidence. Forensics will allow us to produce concrete and court-admissible evidence,” he said.

Chomanika noted that advances in forensic science can provide irrefutable proof of crimes, citing how forensic labs can now confirm the origin of illegal wildlife products, such as buffalo meat, which will aid in prosecuting offenders.

“Wildlife crime is a multi-billion-dollar industry, largely run by international cartels that exploit weak legal systems, Wildlife trade is now the fourth largest black market in the world, costing countries up to $23 billion,” he said.

Director of TRACE Wildlife Forensics Network, Rob Ogden, a specialist in wildlife genetics, echoed Chomanika’s concerns, stressing the need for enhanced forensic capacity across Africa.

“One of the biggest threats to wildlife globally is illegal trade and poaching. As court standards rise, we need better forensic tools to prove crimes and identify perpetrators,” Ogden said.

According to Ogden, the AWFN is designed to help African countries share knowledge and resources to address wildlife crime collaboratively.

“Some African nations are biodiversity-rich source countries, while others are trans-shipment hubs. This network lets us share skills and build a sustainable, united response,” he said.

Head of the Genetics Services Unit at South Africa’s National Biodiversity Institute, Marlide Bruyn, said the meeting is very important to enhance continental collaborations.

“It’s a privilege to be part of this engagement where laboratories can network, share challenges, and enhance our forensic techniques, this will broaden our relationship against wildlife crime,” she said.