A lack of trust and inconsistent political commitment among Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states is severely hindering efforts to combat wildlife crime across the region. This was a central concern raised at the ongoing SADC Transfrontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs) International Conference being held in Zimbabwe.

The conference has brought to light persistent challenges in implementing regional strategies aimed at protecting wildlife. Chief among them is the varying level of political will displayed by different member countries, which has led to delays in implementing key cross-border conservation projects. This lack of prioritization has also resulted in insufficient allocation of resources to critical initiatives aimed at tackling poaching and illegal wildlife trade.

Another key issue highlighted is the reluctance of some countries to share data and information that are crucial for effective regional cooperation. The SADC Law Enforcement and Anti-Poaching (LEAP) Strategy, established in 2015 and endorsed by regional leaders in 2017, outlines the importance of coordinated information sharing through the SADC-TWIX platform. This system, modeled after successful tools in other regions, enables real-time communication among enforcement agencies, supports training, and houses a central database of wildlife crime-related data.

Despite its strategic importance, SADC-TWIX has not been fully utilized. Concerns were raised that institutional silos and lack of inter-agency cooperation have resulted in fragmented data collection and communication. This fragmentation has created loopholes that transnational criminal syndicates are actively exploiting. Unlike conservation agencies, wildlife traffickers operate seamlessly across borders, taking advantage of gaps in enforcement created by weak regional coordination.

The secure SADC-TWIX platform includes a mailing list for real-time communication among enforcement officials, a website offering resources such as training manuals and species identification guides, and a mobile application to assist frontline personnel. While the revised LEAP Strategy for 2022–2032 emphasizes the need to maintain and expand use of this tool, the platform has not received the support or engagement necessary for it to function as intended.

It was emphasized at the conference that overcoming these barriers requires urgent action to build trust and cooperation among member states. The long-term success of TFCAs depends heavily on transparent and consistent collaboration between countries and their respective agencies.

Some countries in the region have been notably hesitant to share data related to poaching and seizures, further complicating efforts to mount a united front against wildlife crime. Such reluctance undercuts the foundational principle of collective security that these regional initiatives are based on.

Another point raised was the need to change the perception surrounding wildlife crime seizures. High levels of seizures are often viewed as indicators of poor enforcement or systemic failure. However, participants argued that these should instead be recognized as evidence of effective enforcement actions and successful cross-border operations. A high number of seizures may actually signify that conservation and law enforcement efforts are working well, rather than failing.

A shift in narrative, focusing on success stories and positive outcomes, could encourage greater cooperation and reduce hesitation in sharing sensitive data. Promoting the benefits of joint action and celebrating achievements can help rebuild confidence and political momentum.

Although some countries have recently reported zero poaching incidents involving elephants and rhinos—thanks in part to the growing use of technology and surveillance tools—the threat of wildlife crime remains. Sporadic poaching outbreaks continue to occur, highlighting the need for consistent and collaborative regional responses.

As the conference continues, the consensus among delegates is clear: without stronger political leadership, improved data-sharing mechanisms, and a commitment to building trust, the region’s fight against wildlife crime will remain compromised. Effective conservation requires more than national efforts—it demands a united, coordinated response that treats wildlife protection as a shared responsibility.