African Disability Forum
African Disability Forum (ADF) is the continental membership organization of Disabled Persons' Organizations (DPOs) in Africa. Formally established in 2014, ADF seeks to strengthen and unify the representative voices of Africans with disabilities, their families and organizations. The African continent is immense with great regional diversity, making it impossible for one organization to directly and fully reflect and represent such diversity.
Thus ADF includes and builds upon existing organizations, networks, capacities and successes. ADF does not replace any existing continental or sub-regional organization but invites all to be ADF members.
We strive to be inclusive and to engage and reflect the views of all existing pan-African, sub-regional and national federations of DPOs.
ADF is an independent, democratic organization, where representative DPOs are the members and decision-makers. ADF pays special attention to the involvement of women and youth with disabilities in all its structures and activities. The ADF governance structure is light with a 9-member Executive Council and a small ADF Office located in Addis Ababa.
Disability In Africa
In 2021, approximately 1.3 billion people globally or 16 per cent of the population have disability, according to the latest data on disability published by the World Health Organization (WHO), compared to 15 per cent a decade ago. The increase is said to be due to population increase and more people with non-communicable diseases living longer.1 About 80 per cent of the global population of persons with disabilities live in developing countries. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) defines persons with disabilities as “…those who have long-term physical. Mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers my hinder their full participation in society on an equal basis with others
Disability In Africa
In 2021, approximately 1.3 billion people globally or 16 per cent of the population have disability, according to the latest data on disability published by the World Health Organization (WHO), compared to 15 per cent a decade ago. The increase is said to be due to population increase and more people with non-communicable diseases living longer.1 About 80 per cent of the global population of persons with disabilities live in developing countries. The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) defines persons with disabilities as “…those who have long-term physical. Mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which in interaction with various barriers my hinder their full participation in society on an equal basis with others
Our Strategic Intent
Our Vision
An inclusive Africa where all persons with disabilities and their families have their rights and voices respected and participate actively in the life of their communities and nations.
Our Mission
To secure the rights and inclusion of all persons with disabilities in Africa, by building a stronger, more united and effective African disability movement and voice of persons with disabilities and their families.
Our Core Values
Our work is guided by principles that promote equality, dignity, participation, inclusion and meaningful change for persons with disabilities across Africa.
Full participation and accessibility in all spheres of life.
PARTICIPATION & ACCESSIBILITYA rights-based approach to disability-inclusive development.
RIGHTS & DEVELOPMENTNon-discrimination on the basis of disability, gender, age, race or ethnicity, religion or beliefs.
EQUALITY & NON-DISCRIMINATIONDiversity and inclusion of persons with all types of disabilities and under-represented groups.
DIVERSITY & INCLUSIONGood governance and solidarity across the disability movement.
GOVERNANCE & SOLIDARITYEquality between women and men in all aspects of life and within the disability movement.
GENDER EQUALITYTransparency and accountability in our work, decisions and relationships.
TRANSPARENCY & ACCOUNTABILITYCollaboration and partnerships with other organizations to advance disability inclusion.
COLLABORATION & PARTNERSHIPSStrategic
Objective 1
Advocate for and promote the rights of persons with disabilities and their inclusion in development programmes to reduce poverty and mitigate the impacts of climate change, disasters and conflicts in Africa.
Strategic
Objective 2
Strengthen the institutional capacity of ADF and its members (continental, sub-regional and national OPD federations) to promote and advocate effectively for the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities and their families.
Strategic
Objective 3
Empower African children, youth, women and girls with disabilities to promote respect, protection and fulfilment of their rights and inclusion, and to ensure equality between women and men within the African disability movement.
ADF Disability Inclusion Toolkit
Practical resources, legal frameworks, and guides designed to support Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) across Africa.
Datafrica
Collect, monitor and share data that reflects the lives of persons with disabilities across Africa and turn it into action.
Key capabilities
- Accessible data collection
- Evidence base for ADF’s work
- Supports meaningful participation in monitoring
CRPD Rights Tracker
Monitor state compliance with the UN CRPD and the African Disability Protocol across member states with interactive indicators and reporting tools.
Key capabilities
- Country ratification status
- Parallel report generation
- Violation reporting forms
Inclusion & Accessibility Audit
Self-assessment checklists for organizations to measure and improve physical, digital, and institutional accessibility in line with global standards.
Key capabilities
- Built-environment audit tools
- Digital WCAG checklists
- Scoring & evaluation matrices
What We Do
Advancing Disability Inclusion Across Africa
ADF designs and implements targeted initiatives across numerous African countries to strengthen the disability movement, build local capacity, and reform public policy. Over the past five years, the African Disability Forum (ADF) has experienced significant growth. Following the impact of COVID-19, we rallied our resources to begin implementing new projects and programs.
The African Disability Forum (ADF) is the continental umbrella organization representing Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) across Africa. Its core mission is to unify and amplify the voices of persons with disabilities and their families, ensuring their equal rights and inclusion in all aspects of socioeconomic and political life.
Learn More About ADFProgrammes & Projects
Empowering persons with disabilities across Africa through rights advocacy, economic inclusion, and inclusive service delivery systems.
Rights & Advocacy
SPADRA Project
Strengthening Organizations of Persons with Disabilities in Africa for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
Economic Inclusion
We Can Work Program
Fostering economic empowerment, skills acquisition, and dignified employment opportunities for young women and men with disabilities across sub-Saharan Africa.
Inclusive Services
Rights In Action
An OPD-led advocacy initiative enabling disability rights movements across Africa to promote, protect, and advance human rights at national, regional, and international levels.
Latest News & Updates
The Regional Dialogue on Financing
Stay informed about upcoming events, important announcements, and open consultancy & vacancy opportunities from the African Disability Forum.
Lomé Hosts the Regional Dialogue on Financing Disability Inclusion in Africa
From 6 to 8 October 2026, the African Disability Forum (ADF) is convening a three-day regional workshop in Lomé, Togo, titled “Financing disability inclusion in Africa”. Organized with IDA, UNICEF and GIZ.
ADF Announces New Regional Initiative to Strengthen Disability Inclusion
The African Disability Forum has announced a new regional initiative designed to strengthen collaboration, advocacy and inclusive development across Africa.
End of Project Evaluation: SPADRA Main Phase
ADF is seeking a Lead Evaluator / Team to conduct an independent evaluation assessing the overall goal, results, and impact of the SPADRA project across Malawi, Zambia, Ghana, and Benin.
Our Esteemed Partners
ADF believes that strong collaboration and strategic partnerships are essential to advancing disability inclusion across Africa. We work with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), governments, regional and international institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners to promote the rights, participation, and inclusion of persons with disabilities. Through collective action, shared knowledge, and mutual commitment, we strengthen the disability rights movement and advance a more inclusive and equitable Africa where no one is left behind. We sincerely thank our partners and donors for their continued trust, commitment, and support in advancing disability rights and inclusion across Africa. We invite other organizations, institutions, and development partners to join us in building meaningful partnerships and working together towards an inclusive Africa where persons with disabilities can fully exercise their rights and participate in all aspects of society.
