Animal genetic resources (AnGR) for food and agriculture are essential for Africa food security and contribution to the improvement of livelihoods of hundreds of millions of people. However, genetic improvement programmes in Africa, by governments, non-governmental organizations, bilateral aid agencies, and the private sector, have long favoured the use of exotic breeds for cross-breeding, upgrading, or replacement. These programmes are mostly implemented without clear policies, regulatory frameworks, strategic thinking and a long term view of how long-term indigenous animal genetics resources could be sustainably conserved.