Welcome to BGCI Africa

Promoting and supporting the work of botanic gardens across Africa

Covering over 29 million square kilometres; Africa is rich in diversity of habitats, species and cultures. Vegetation types include: true desert, dry bushland, wooded grassland, rain forest and alpine desert. It is estimated that Africa has approximately between 40-45,000 species of plants, with a high level of endemism (77-87%), many of which have global importance for their medicinal, food and horticultural value.

Over 130 botanic gardens are thought to exist in Africa today, from the oldest in Durban to gardens being established today, and from large gardens such as Kirstenbosch (Cape Town) to small gardens run by one or two dedicated staff.

In 2002, BGCI helped establish, and continues to support, the African Botanic Gardens Network (ABGN) in order to strengthen and support botanic gardens throughout Africa.

Latest News

Inauguration Solennelle du Jardin Botanique de Kisantu

CONGO

18th February 2008

Le 16 février etais lieu l’inauguration officielle des 200 hectares du Jardin botanique de Kisantu (Inkisi, Bas-Congo). La réhabilitation de ce magnifique jardin botanique, fondé en 190, a été assistée par le Jardin botanique national de Belgique.

African Fruits Hold Great Potential to Combat Poverty

AFRICA

11th February 2008

Modern horticulture could enable Africa's own fruits, from baobab to butterfruit, to combat malnutrition, boost environmental stability and support rural development in the continent, says a new report from the National Research Council in the US.

Namibian Garden's Desert Success

NAMIBIA

17th September 2007

Support from mining & engineering companies has helped a difficult project come to fruition in Namibia, where the botanic garden has just opened a Desert House, packed with rare plants.

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