Agriculture is a major driver of global deforestation, and Africa’s smallholder farmers are particularly exposed to emerging environmental regulations. The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), which covers timber and six agricultural commodities including cocoa and coffee, requires compliance to guarantee imports are not sourced from recently deforested land. While intended to curb deforestation, the regulation poses significant challenges for African exporters, risking USD 11 billion in lost annual revenue and threatening livelihoods across a sector that employs 65–70% of the continent’s workforce.

This session, hosted by the African Future Policies Hub (AFPH) at IISD’s MC14 platform, will examine the risks and opportunities of the EUDR for African agriculture. Discussions will focus on adaptation financing, technology access, and policy alignment to support smallholders and ensure equitable participation in global markets.

Participants will explore actionable pathways to mitigate adverse impacts, inform African voices in EU regulatory design, and build frameworks for inclusive, climate-adjusted agricultural trade in Africa.