The Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) Conservation Congress is the first-ever community-led conservation gathering in Africa, bringing together over 300 participants from grassroots communities, Indigenous leaders, development partners, conservation NGOs/CSOs, and African governments. Co-convened by AICA and the Rights and Resources Initiative, and held in Windhoek, Namibia from 25–27 October, the congress aims to co-create a rights-based, people-centered, inclusive, and equitable conservation strategy for the African continent. This landmark event empowers African community leaders to define a five-year roadmap positioning Indigenous Peoples and local communities as key actors and decision-makers in conservation. It enhances visibility, representation, and meaningful participation in governance systems that affect their territories, rights, and livelihoods, while promoting equitable and inclusive conservation models across Africa. The congress serves as a vital platform for cross-regional learning and exchange on community-led conservation and Indigenous knowledge systems. Key discussions include human-wildlife interactions and conflict mitigation strategies, grievance and rights redress mechanisms, the role of women and youth in conservation, land tenure and livelihoods, and conservation policy reforms aligned with the 30x30 biodiversity and climate goals. Beyond dialogue, the congress marks a historic moment of recognition and collaboration, highlighting the lived experiences and knowledge of Indigenous Peoples and local communities from 41 African countries. Cultural expressions, policy engagement, and expert reflections from conservation leaders further enrich the event, reinforcing the importance of integrating traditional knowledge with modern conservation approaches. As the congress unfolds, it stands as a powerful step toward reshaping conservation in Africa—placing communities at the center of decision-making and ensuring that conservation is both just and sustainable for generations to come.