The Kick-off Meeting of the second phase of the ERFAN 2 project took place on 23–24 June 2026 in Gaborone, Botswana.

The meeting marked the official launch of ERFAN II activities in Southern Africa, bringing together around 40 experts from member countries and partner institutions. It provided an opportunity to discuss the project’s operational priorities, review the work programmes of the regional thematic working groups, and define the expected outcomes, laying the foundations for even stronger and more sustainable cooperation across the network.

Participants included Gregorio Torres, Head of the Science and Disease Management Department at WOAH; Moetapele Letshwenyo, WOAH Sub-regional Representative for Southern Africa; the Chief Veterinary Officers (CVOs) of several ERFAN member countries (or their delegates); the Director General of IZSAM; representatives of the ERFAN Secretariat and partner institutions; and the coordinators of the regional working groups.