There are clear gaps in the geographical distribution of African scenario studies. Central, North and West Africa are poorly represented, have limited stakeholder participation and limited incorporation of indigenous and local knowledge. The prevalence of studies in Southern and East Africa and adjacent islands is due to a relatively long history of investment in biodiversity research. The same pattern was observed for valuation studies of biodiversity and nature’s contributions to people. In addition to human capacity-building, there is a need to generate information, in particular quantitative data, needed for the development of scenarios and to take into account the specific contexts and diversity of the subregions, groups of people and related differences in culture, and in ecological, social and economic conditions. There is also generally limited accessible peer-reviewed and grey literature to support a comprehensive assessment of policy and governance options for Africa. This creates challenges when identifying policy options but presents an opportunity for more frequent and comprehensive ecosystem assessments. It also presents an opportunity for the development of case studies and pilot projects that explore the different policy options and instruments that are specifically relevant in the African context. Data collected from such efforts will help strengthen scenarios and models about plausible futures for Africa {5.1.1, 5.2.1, 5.2.2}.