The Fourth Pan-African ABS Capacity Development Workshop was held in order that countries would have the opportunity to examine the latest developments during 2009, and also prepare for upcoming challenges and developments in 2010. Successful initiatives from 2009 were discussed, and it was agreed that Pan-African countries should present a common goal for 2010 to the international community by agreeing on key principles regarding international legislation and its' implementation.

The pan-African group of countries was convened in order to examine the Roadmap forward for 2010 for capacity development issues and to create a united front in this, by means of recommendations to the African Ministers to the CBD.