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Abstract: The African nodes met on 17 and 18 July in Kigali, Rwanda. The meeting, in which 15 country nodes and international organizations participated, was hosted by GBIF Associate Participant Albertine Rift Conservation Society (ARCOS), in collaboration with the Centre for Geographic Information Systems of the National University of Rwanda. The primary objectives of the meeting were to review the current status of the nodes, their achievements and challenges. Further progress with the implementation of the action plan for the region was discussed, which included a data mobilization strategy, capacity development and advancing the regional engagement framework. Key activities were identified to take forward within these three areas of work for the 2012/13 regional action plan. Preliminary discussions were held towards setting up an Africa Science Committee, which will address key research questions and priority areas for the region, as well as consider and discuss the biodiversity informatics research agenda. Also a business case will be developed to draw all the work together which will be relevant to funders, Heads of Delegation and government.