This issues paper aims to: i. demonstrate the foundational significance of ecosystems in maintaining Africa’s societies, and ii. draw the attention of Africa’s policy-makers to the challenges and opportunities in ecosystem management and iii. Propose recommendations for enhanced actions on capacity building such as continent-wide ecosystem research network, policy setting and regional cooperation. iv. The paper also aims to stimulate discussion and debate on how Africa’s societies can avoid degrading the natural environment and with it, the wealth and valuable benefits it provides, and instead promote and utilise healthy ecosystems to support a sustainable and more climate-resilient future for the continent.