Dear friends,  

It is no small feat in this current context for IMPACT to be reaching its 40^th anniversary in 2026. Alongside our international and local partners, we’ve withstood a shrinking space for civil society, funding cuts, and growing threats to peace and security. 

During this time, IMPACT has shifted and adapted to a changing landscape. Grounded in partnerships supporting sustainable development in Africa, we have worked to end the trade of conflict minerals including diamonds that financed civil wars, advanced human rights and gender equality in artisanal mining communities, and strengthened transparency of high-value supply chains.  

When IMPACT began 40 years ago, it brought together Canadian and African civil society as Partnership Africa Canada—working together in response to the Ethiopian famine. From the outset, the focus was clear: to strengthen local capacity, support grassroots leadership, and build long-term resilience in communities facing profound challenges. As our work deepened, we focused on high-value minerals to help break the link between resources and armed conflict—always grounded in the same development principles that shaped our beginnings.  

Today, our work continues to be defined by deep partnerships, community-led solutions, and a belief that real impact begins with communities themselves. 

As demand for critical minerals rises, global actors are positioning themselves to control markets and supply chains, often while local communities are being left behind. This coincides with a decline in funding for international development and peace, as well as challenges to commitments for responsible sourcing, environmental and social protections, putting years of progress at risk. 

As we look ahead, I encourage us all to take a moment to celebrate where we are today. Too often, we skip over successes—always focused on what comes next. Reflecting on 40 years, our work has led to lasting change, including new international and national legislation, shifts in corporate practice, and improved conditions at the community level.  

While previously sidelined, artisanal mining has entered the spotlight as we look to tackle challenges with informality and illegality. Working together with partners, we’re increasing human rights, gender equality, access to dignified livelihoods, while supporting more transparent supply chains. 

This year, we’re taking time to celebrate these achievements, with the hope that they will strengthen resolve and inspire us for the next phase ahead. While the world around us has changed in countless ways over the past four decades, our core values have not. Today, as then, we remain unwavering in our commitment to partnership, local leadership, and communities shaping their own futures. I encourage you to join me in celebrating what has been achieved together as we shape the path ahead. 

Together we’re enabling change, communities first. 

Joanne Lebert 

Executive Director, IMPACT