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COSP18: A Crucial Moment for Africa’s Disability Movement

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News Brief

On the Occasion of the 18th Conference of State Parties (COSP) on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)

COSP18 is taking place under the overarching theme: “Enhancing public awareness of the rights and contributions of persons with disabilities for social development leading up to the World Social Summit.” This theme offers the disability movement a critical opportunity to reflect on both the progress achieved and the ongoing challenges in realizing the equal rights of persons with disabilities.

Over the past few decades, the disability movement has marked important milestones, thanks to the tireless efforts of movement builders and human rights pioneers who grounded their advocacy in global instruments such as the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the 1966 International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. However, despite these global frameworks and advocacy gains, persons with disabilities in Africa continue to face significant barriers in accessing basic services.

The movement for disability-inclusive human rights is no different from other civil rights movements. It has been a long and ongoing journey for people with disabilities. From the formation of Rehabilitation International (RI) to the landmark shift towards Disabled People International (DPI), and from the adoption of the 1993 Standard Rules on the Equalization of Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities to the 2006 United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), each step has marked significant progress and been driven by tireless effort.

However, the current moment presents serious challenges. Widespread global economic crises, ongoing conflict, the impacts of climate change, and shifting global politics have contributed to a shrinking funding landscape. Combined with competing national priorities, these trends have had a precarious and disproportionate effect on the lives of people with disabilities and other marginalized groups across the African continent.

What ultimately matters is the well-being of persons with disabilities and the quality of their daily lives in today’s world. This is where the annual COSP18 meeting proves its relevance. For us in Africa, it is a vital opportunity to pause, reflect, and examine how our lives have been influenced by binding international instruments like the UNCRPD—and how sincerely states are upholding their commitments.

As we unpack our lived realities, we must ask critical questions:

  • What changes have we seen as a result of nationally ratified UNCRPD commitments?
  • Where do we stand on legal harmonization and the removal of discriminatory laws?
  • Which persistent, dehumanizing challenges continue to threaten our inherent dignity?

The disability movement in Africa faces distinct realities compared to other regions. For example, disability rights advocates in Europe and North America often focus on issues like independent living, as outlined in the UNCRPD. In Africa, however, the emphasis is often on progressive realization, which results in slower implementation. Many African states have yet to show meaningful accountability in implementing the UNCRPD, allocating adequate disability-specific budgets, or monitoring progress. These shortcomings directly affect the estimated 60 to 80 million persons with disabilities in Africa, leaving many in precarious situations where even basic needs remain unmet. But isn’t independent living one of those basic rights?

Independent living is a pillar of disability equality. Yet in Africa, limited social protection and a lack of support for disability-related costs leave many fighting for daily survival. In response, in September 2024, movement leaders from ADF member organizations of persons with disabilities across the Africa region gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, and flagged the pre-summit Nairobi Declaration to the world.

To address the critical capacity needs of the African disability movement, ADF continues to collaborate with partners such as Sida—with financial support from the Government of Sweden—which makes participation in global platforms like COSP18 possible. Below, SPADRA and other major initiatives are presented in summary form.

Strengthening the Movement: ADF’s Key Initiatives

Strengthening of Partnership to Advance Disability Rights in Africa (SPADRA)

The Sida and ADF partnership project Strengthening of Partnership to Advance Disability Rights in Africa (SPADRA) is implemented through a consortium made up of the International Disability Alliance (IDA), African Disability Forum (ADF), and Pan-African Organizations of Persons with Disabilities such as Disabled Women in Africa (DIWA) and Inclusion Africa (IA).

The project aims to advance gender equality and disability rights in Africa and is being implemented in Benin, Ghana, Malawi, and Zambia. It focuses on strengthening the capacities of organizations of persons with disabilities, building cross-disability and mainstream partnerships at both Pan-African and national levels, and enhancing and enforcing legal frameworks at community level. The inception and transition phases were completed by December 2024. The main phase, led by ADF, began in January 2025, continuing to focus on three thematic areas: inclusive education, social protection, and access to justice.

We are Able! (WaA!)

As a five-year-long consortium programme, We are Able! has demonstrated that there are multiple solutions to ensure persons with disabilities are included in achieving food security. ADF plays a crucial leading role in this programme, which focuses on people with disabilities who lack access to basic services and are excluded. It not only involves them in legislation and policy but also works with local organizations and Organizations of Persons with Disabilities to promote dialogue between persons with disabilities and authorities at both national and international levels.

Six organizations are working together to realize the WaA! objectives: ZOA, African Disability Forum, SeeYou, VNGi, The Hague Academy for Local Governance, and Leprosy Mission International. In its fifth and final year, the WaA! programme in East and Central Africa (Burundi, DR Congo, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda) is instrumental in highlighting the key challenges that persons with disabilities face—such as discrimination, limited land access, and policy gaps. The programme reinforces its commitment to integrating disability into food security policies and programmes, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (2, 10, and 17) to drive meaningful change.

The WaA! programme calls for the removal of systemic barriers that prevent inclusive food security, stemming from the lack of disability-inclusive practices and inaccessible food programmes. There is a pressing need for adaptive agricultural methods and inclusive food security frameworks to ensure that no one is left behind in the fight against hunger.

We Can Work (WCW)

The African Disability Forum (ADF) is a strategic partner in the We Can Work (WCW) programme, a flagship initiative implemented in partnership with Light for the World and supported by the Mastercard Foundation. The WCW programme aims to improve access to dignified, fulfilling, and economically empowering work for young women and men with disabilities in Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal.

ADF leads on Pillar 3 of the WCW programme, which focuses on youth-led advocacy to influence inclusive policies, systems, and environmental reforms that support the economic empowerment of young persons with disabilities. This includes driving advocacy outcomes that amplify youth voices and promote unified action toward disability-inclusive and economically enabling policy frameworks at all levels.

In addition to the few initiatives mentioned here, ADF sees itself in the driver’s seat of regional capacity building needed to unpack the African Disability Protocol (ADP). To kick-start that journey, ADF is also partnering with Sightsavers, GIZ, and others such as Disabled People’s Organizations Denmark (DPOD) and Humanity & Inclusion (HI) in its tireless efforts to promote disability rights, inclusion in development, and capacity building across the continent.

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Shitaye Astawes, speaks into a microphone while reading from a laptop. She is seated in front of a wooden panel and cream wall. The image includes a heading at the top in bold white text on a brown background that reads: “ADF'S KEYNOTE ADDRESS ON ADVANCING ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES IN AFRICA.”||

ADF’s Keynote Address on Advancing Access to Justice for Persons with Disabilities in Africa

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On 15 May 2025, Shitaye Astawes, Director for Advocacy and Communication at the African Disability Forum (ADF), delivered a powerful keynote address at the African Regional Workshop on Access to Justice for Persons with Disabilities, held in Nairobi, Kenya. The workshop convened regional stakeholders, including legal experts, disability advocates, and policymakers, to address the pressing need for inclusive justice systems that uphold the rights of persons with disabilities.

In her keynote address, she emphasized the urgency of aligning judicial systems with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and the African Disability Protocol (ADP). She called for stronger international cooperation, meaningful partnerships, and the full inclusion of persons with disabilities in justice processes. The full speech is available below.

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15th May 2025

Nairobi, Kenya

African Disability Forum Keynote Speech at the African Regional Workshop on Access to Justice for Persons with Disabilities “Strengthening Access to Justice for Persons with Disabilities through Legal Reforms and Compliance with the CRPD and the African Disability Protocol.”

Good morning, everyone!

Representing African Disability Forum (ADF), I am honored to speak to you at this workshop. Based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, I am work for African Disability Forum and I am the Director for Advocacy and Communication. ADF, having more than 58 members across the African region, is a Pan-African representative voice of all Africans with Disabilities. We focus much on building capacity of our members, on voicing the issues, challenges and promoting the rights of all persons with disabilities at regional as well as global levels.

In doing so, such regional engagement as justice is a paramount move and significant to our cause. The cause is a matter of being allowed to live decently in communities and societies as it is outlined in Art. 14 of the ADP. The cause is essential and it is about accessing basic services for daily life.

As you all know, the cause is noble and it’s about getting equitable and equal rights to opportunities and participation including political participations. Luckily enough and including the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the cause now has the needed basic legislative frameworks and instruments at all levels.

However, Africa and its people with disabilities are suffering today from post-covid impacts, conflict, large scale economic crisis, adverse impacts of global warming and climate change, inaccessibility, donors’ perspective changes, discrimination, stigma and low self-stem. In this situation, the principles in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) and African Disability Protocol (ADP) are our pillars to anchor and ensure the protection and promotion of the human rights of persons with disabilities. Standing on these basics, I am convinced that we are uncovering a goldmine by the name of International Commission of Justice and participants of this Workshop.

I hope you agree with me if I tell you that as an international mechanism including disability in your work is also your responsibility. Judiciary must address disability in a proper way as people with disabilities continue to live in injustice and in inequality.

As ADF we strongly believe that if our homework gets to be done, it will get done

through meaningful partnership, collaboration and engagement. Partnership, collaboration and engagement has a legal base in the provision of Art. 32 and Art. 33 of UNCRPD and ADP respectively. Those provisions require for international cooperation including development programs to be inclusive of disability and people with disabilities.

Hence, we are here to support the processes and to ensure the practical realization of the provisions. We are ready to frame and scale up our collaboration to a formal partnership so to join hands in promoting disability inclusion in judiciary and to not live no one behind!

Wishing you all a successful deliberation, I thank you and end here.

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Call for Applications: External Evaluation of the We Are Able! Project

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Are you a qualified evaluator or evaluation team with a passion for inclusive development?

The We Are Able! programme is seeking proposals for an external evaluation of the project. This evaluation will assess the project’s impact, outcomes, and learning, with a focus on inclusive governance and access to basic resources for people with disabilities across six African countries.

Interested parties are invited to apply by following the link below for full details, including the Terms of Reference and application instructions:

Apply Here – https://weareable.ngo/en/news/external-evaluation-of-we-are-able-project/

Deadline for applications: 16 June 2025

Please share widely with relevant networks!

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Your input will guide ADF’s youth leadership program – take the survey

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The African Disability Forum (ADF) is designing a Youth Leadership Program for the We Can Work Program.

We are calling on all young people with disabilities in Africa who enrolled in leadership programs over the past five to ten years to help us shape the development of the Program by completing three short surveys to share your experiences and insights about the leadership programs you have attended. Such programs include, for example, YALI (Young African Leaders Initiative), the Obama Foundation Leaders Program, the UN Youth Envoy Fellowship, Kanthari, the Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Program, Ashoka Changemaker programs, the ADD International’s Leadership Program, Disability: IN’s NextGen Mentoring, Lime Connect Fellowships, the ADF’s Young Women with Disabilities Leadership Program, the We Can Work Youth Advocacy Training of Trainers Program, etc.

The survey links are:

All inputs received by noon (GMT) on 19 May 2025 will be considered as we design the ADF’s Youth Leadership Program.

French

Chers collègues,

L’African Disability Forum (ADF) est en train de concevoir un programme de leadership pour les jeunes dans le cadre du programme We Can Work.

Nous appelons tous les jeunes handicapés d’Afrique qui se sont inscrits à des programmes de leadership au cours des cinq à dix dernières années à nous aider à façonner le développement du programme en répondant à trois courts sondages pour partager vos expériences et vos idées sur les programmes de leadership auxquels vous avez participé. Parmi ces programmes, on peut citer, par exemple, YALI (Young African Leaders Initiative), le programme des leaders de la Fondation Obama, la bourse de l’Envoyé de la jeunesse des Nations Unies, Kanthari, le programme d’entrepreneuriat de la Fondation Tony Elumelu, les programmes Ashoka Changemaker, le programme de leadership d’ADD International, Disability : IN’s NextGen Mentoring, Lime Connect Fellowships, le programme de leadership des jeunes femmes handicapées de l’ADF, le programme de formation des formateurs en plaidoyer des jeunes We Can Work, etc.

Les liens vers l’enquête sont les suivants :

Toutes les contributions reçues avant midi (GMT) le 19 mai 2025 seront prises en compte lors de la conception du programme de leadership des jeunes de l’ADF.

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ADVOCACY FOR ENDORSEMENT OF THE AMMAN-BERLIN DECLARATION ON GLOBAL DISABILITY INCLUSION

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On 2–3 April 2025, the Global Disability Summit in Berlin brought together more than 4,700 participants—including government representatives, civil society organizations, experts, and advocates—to explore the transformative potential of disability inclusion. The summit concluded with the adoption of the Amman-Berlin Declaration on Global Disability Inclusion, a landmark document outlining a comprehensive, human rights-based framework to ensure persons with disabilities are fully and equally integrated into every facet of public life.

Despite the clear mandate and robust commitments in the Declaration, fewer than 20 African governments have endorsed it to date. Given Africa’s potential to benefit significantly from a disability-inclusive development agenda, this advocacy brief calls on all African governments, intergovernmental bodies, and key stakeholders to join the global movement by endorsing the Declaration and taking decisive, meaningful action.

African nations are uniquely positioned to lead on disability inclusion by leveraging regional solidarity and embracing the principles embodied in the Declaration. These principles include:

  • Upholding International Human Rights Commitments:
    The Declaration builds on the near-universal ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). Endorsing the Declaration signals a renewed and unequivocal commitment to ensuring that persons with disabilities enjoy the same rights and opportunities as others.
  • Accelerating National Development:
    Disability-inclusive policies are not only about rights—they are key drivers of social and economic progress. Inclusive development and humanitarian programming allow nations to harness the full potential of all citizens, spurring innovation and reducing poverty and inequality.
  • Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
    The global pledge to “leave no one behind” is intrinsically linked to disability inclusion. African countries are urged to embed these values in their national and regional development strategies to accelerate progress toward the SDGs.
  • Enhancing Disaster, Conflict, and Crisis Response:
    In a world marked by increasingly frequent crises—natural disasters, conflicts, and health emergencies—ensuring humanitarian responses are inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities is essential for protecting vulnerable populations.

Key Commitments of the Amman-Berlin Declaration

The Declaration outlines pivotal commitments that serve as benchmarks for national policy, including:

  1. Inclusion of Disability in International and National Programs:
    Governments commit to making all international development programs accessible to persons with disabilities and aligned with non-discrimination and equal opportunity principles.
  2. The “15 Percent for the 15 Percent” Initiative:
    This commitment calls for dedicating at least 15% of development and humanitarian funding to disability inclusion, ensuring equitable access and targeted investments.
  3. Meaningful Participation of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs):
    The Declaration reinforces the importance of including OPDs in the planning, design, and evaluation of all relevant policies and programs, ensuring decisions are informed by lived experience.
  4. Addressing Intersectional Discrimination:
    The Declaration emphasizes dismantling barriers faced by groups experiencing multiple forms of discrimination—including women, children, and youth with disabilities—through intersectional policy approaches.
  5. Multi-Stakeholder Partnerships:
    It calls for active collaboration among governments, civil society, the private sector, academia, and trade unions to pool resources, drive research, and foster innovation in disability inclusion.
  6. Data-Driven Policy Making:
    The Declaration underscores the importance of robust data collection and evidence to inform policy design, implementation, and monitoring in both development and humanitarian contexts.

Why Must Africa Endorse the Declaration?

By endorsing the Declaration, African governments can unlock numerous benefits:

  • Strengthened Human Rights Protections:
    Endorsement signals that the rights of persons with disabilities are a national priority, fulfilling international obligations and accelerating domestic legal and policy reforms.
  • Enhanced Social and Economic Opportunities:
    Inclusive approaches build more diverse and productive societies. Empowering every citizen to contribute fully strengthens economies and fosters resilience.
  • Improved Crisis Management and Resilience:
    Inclusive disaster risk reduction and humanitarian responses ensure that no one is left behind during crises, making societies more adaptive and prepared.
  • Catalyzing Pan-African Solidarity:
    With only a handful of African nations having endorsed the Declaration, a united and coordinated continental response is urgently needed. Endorsement demonstrates leadership and sets a standard for best practices across the continent.

Urgent Actions for African Governments and Stakeholders

ADF urges all African governments, regional bodies such as the African Union, and stakeholders across development, humanitarian, and civil society sectors to:

  • Publicly Endorse the Amman-Berlin Declaration:
    Join the growing number of governments committed to this progressive agenda. A formal endorsement will affirm your nation’s leadership in advancing disability rights.
  • Integrate Disability Inclusion into National Legislation and Policies:
    Translate the Declaration’s principles into concrete actions by revising laws, budgets, and development plans to ensure disability inclusion is central to national agendas and international partnerships.
  • Strengthen Support for OPDs:
    Provide the resources and platforms OPDs need to engage meaningfully in decision-making processes. Establish structured mechanisms for collaboration between government bodies and OPDs.
  • Commit Resources to the “15 Percent” Target:
    Allocate or reallocate funding to ensure at least 15% of development and humanitarian efforts address disability inclusion, aiming for full implementation by 2028.
  • Foster Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration:
    Build strategic alliances among government, civil society, academia, and the private sector to share best practices, drive innovation, and mobilize funding for inclusive programs.
  • Implement Rigorous Data Collection and Monitoring:
    Develop systems to capture, analyze, and report on disability inclusion efforts. Data-driven monitoring will strengthen accountability and improve policy outcomes over time.

Together, let us build an Africa—and a world—where no one is left behind.

A panel discussion at the Global Disability Summit 2025 in Berlin features four speakers seated in front of a white backdrop with the summit’s colorful logo. The session, titled “Boosting the Nairobi Declaration – Alliancing for African Inclusive Development,” is hosted by the African Disability Forum (ADF) and partners, as shown on a screen to the left. Attendees, some wearing headsets for interpretation, are seated and listening intently. A second screen displays live captions of the speaker’s dialogue. The venue has an industrial design with exposed pipes and brick walls.

STATEMENT OF THE AFRICAN DISABILITY FORUM FOLLOWING THE GLOBAL DISABILITY SUMMIT 2025

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The African Disability Forum (ADF), as the regional umbrella organization representing persons with disabilities across the continent, proudly endorses the Amman-Berlin Declaration on Global Disability Inclusion, adopted at the Third Global Disability Summit held in Berlin from 2–3 April 2025.

This historic gathering of over 4,700 stakeholders—including governments, civil society, and organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs)—reaffirmed a collective commitment to accelerating disability inclusion worldwide. As the representative voice of over 80 million Africans with disabilities, ADF recognizes the Declaration as a vital step in advancing the rights and inclusion of more than 1 billion persons with disabilities globally.

The Amman-Berlin Declaration reflects ADF’s mission to dismantle systemic barriers and foster equal opportunities for persons with disabilities across Africa. We highlight the following continental priorities:

1. A Bold Target for Inclusive Development

The Declaration’s call to allocate at least 15% of international development cooperation to disability inclusion by 2028 is a transformative commitment. In Africa, where persons with disabilities face disproportionate barriers, this pledge must result in concrete investments in inclusive education, healthcare, employment, and infrastructure. ADF urges African governments and development partners to prioritize and localize this target—ensuring that no one is left behind.

2. Amplifying the Voices of African OPDs

The Declaration reinforces the indispensable leadership of OPDs. ADF calls for strengthened, sustained funding and equitable partnerships with African OPDs—especially those led by women, youth, and persons experiencing multiple forms of discrimination. Meaningful participation must extend beyond consultation to co-leadership in shaping policies, programs, and implementation—across local, national, and continental platforms such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

3. Intersectional Approaches to End Discrimination

In Africa, women, girls, and children with disabilities face intersecting marginalization tied to gender, disability, poverty, and systemic exclusion. ADF welcomes the Declaration’s intersectional lens and urges stakeholders to implement policies that address these overlapping barriers—particularly in education, health, employment, and protection from violence.

4. Disability-Inclusive Humanitarian Action

Conflicts, climate change, and health emergencies disproportionately affect persons with disabilities in Africa. ADF echoes the Declaration’s emphasis on Article 11 of the CRPD and calls for inclusive humanitarian responses. Persons with disabilities must be meaningfully included in emergency preparedness, response, and recovery across all humanitarian programming on the continent.

5. Data-Driven Advocacy and Accountability

Reliable, disability-disaggregated data is essential to effective policymaking. ADF supports full implementation of Article 31 of the CRPD and calls for collaborative efforts among governments, civil society, academia, and other stakeholders to generate and use data for evidence-based planning, monitoring, and accountability.

ADF’s Commitments Moving Forward

As the leading voice for disability rights in Africa, ADF commits to:

  • Mobilizing its membership—national federations, sub-regional bodies, and continental OPDs—to advocate for and support governments in achieving the 15% target.
  • Strengthening partnerships with stakeholders committed to disability inclusion across sectors.
  • Advancing advocacy efforts, particularly with the African Union, regional economic communities, and UN agencies, to embed disability rights in continental development agendas.
  • Enhancing capacity-building for OPDs on advocacy, implementation of the CRPD and the African Disability Protocol (ADP), institutional development, national disability laws, and resource mobilization.

A Call to Action

We believe that achieving the Amman-Berlin Declaration’s vision requires unity and joint efforts. ADF calls on African governments, international donors, the private sector, and civil society to:

  • Allocate dedicated national budget lines for disability inclusion;
  • Enforce anti-discrimination and accessibility laws;
  • Engage OPDs as equal and essential partners in all matters that affect their lives.

In the words of the Amman-Berlin Declaration:

“With over a billion reasons to change, we stand ready to join forces.”

Together, we can build a continent—and a world—where every person with a disability is included, respected, and empowered.

Nothing About Us Without Us!

Mr. Shuaib Chalken,

Executive Director

April 11, 2025

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THE AFRICAN DISABILITY FORUM AND THE CIVIL SOCIETY FORUM DECLARATION 2025

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The African Disability Forum (ADF) affirms its strong support for the Civil Society Forum Declaration adopted in Berlin on 1 April 2025, ahead of the Global Disability Summit. We commend the powerful leadership of Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and civil society organizations worldwide for uniting around a clear and urgent message: disability inclusion is not about charity or choice—it is about justice, rights, and dignity.

The Declaration reminds us that meaningful change must be bold, systemic, intersectional, and led by those with lived experience. ADF proudly aligns with this vision and fully endorses the Declaration.

Across Africa, persons with disabilities continue to face systemic barriers to education, healthcare, employment, and civic participation. While most African Union member states have ratified the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), implementation remains inconsistent. We call on all states to ratify the African Disability Protocol and commend those who already have.

The Declaration rightly asserts that disability rights are human rights—and that failure to implement or finance these rights constitutes a breach of states’ obligations under the CRPD. ADF particularly supports the Declaration’s strong focus on financing disability inclusion. Without adequate, predictable, and targeted funding, commitments remain unfulfilled. We call on African governments, donors, and development partners to:

  • Embed disability-inclusive budgeting across all sectors and programs
  • Allocate specific, time-bound resources toward the “15% for the 15%” goal
  • Ensure equitable, flexible, and sustained funding for OPDs—especially those led by women, youth, and people with high support needs

The Declaration rightly positions OPDs as leaders—not just participants—in the disability rights movement. ADF emphasizes the need for their meaningful participation in the design, implementation, and monitoring of policies and programs. Article 4.3 of the CRPD must be fully realized through structured, funded partnerships and shared leadership models—not one-off consultations.

ADF also applauds the Declaration’s commitment to intersectionality, especially in uplifting the voices of women, girls, youth, and indigenous persons with disabilities. We call for continued efforts to ensure Africa’s young people and women with disabilities are empowered to lead.

The Civil Society Forum Declaration is a call to action. To ensure the Amman-Berlin Declaration adopted at the Global Disability Summit 2025 becomes more than a promise, we urge African governments to:

  • Publicly endorse the Amman-Berlin Declaration
  • Partner with OPDs to implement its commitments at the national level
  • Develop concrete, country-specific action plans with measurable indicators and inclusive monitoring frameworks

As we look to the post-2030 development agenda, disability inclusion must be central to all regional and national strategies. Persons with disabilities are not just stakeholders—they are architects of Africa’s future.

With solidarity and courage, we move from declarations to action.

A diverse group of eight people, including youth delegates with disabilities and representatives from ADF, MasterCard Foundation, and Light for the World, pose in front of a banner for the Global Disability Summit 2025 in Berlin. Some wear white t-shirts with 'We Can Work' branding, while others wear professional or casual attire. A few participants have albinism, and some wear assistive devices like headsets or glasses. They are smiling and standing closely together.|

Amplifying Youth Voices at #GDS2025

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On the first day of the Global Disability Summit 2025, ADF and its We Can Work partners reinforced their commitment to amplifying the voices of youth with disabilities in advancing economic inclusion. In collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation and Light for the World, the discussions highlighted the critical role of young people in shaping inclusive employment opportunities and advocating for systemic change.

A key highlight of the day was a well-attended and engaging fireside chat on “Young Women and Men Driving Economic Inclusion.” ADF’s youth delegates took center stage, delivering a clear and powerful message: their voices must be heard. Sharing their experiences as youth advocates and disability inclusion facilitators, they spoke about:

  • The impact of developing talent and supporting the transition to work
  • The importance of mainstreaming disability in institutions and programs
  • The role of youth-led advocacy in driving systemic change
A diverse audience, including people with disabilities, attentively listens to a fireside chat on economic inclusion at the Global Disability Summit 2025 in Berlin. The panelists, seated on a small stage against a backdrop with the summit’s logo, include young disability advocates wearing 'We Can Work' t-shirts. Many attendees wear headsets for translation or accessibility, and some are using wheelchairs. A large screen displays live captions of the discussion. The venue is an industrial-style space with high ceilings, large windows, and natural light streaming in.
GDS delegates keenly following the Fireside chat on economic inclusion

During the discussion, the youth delegates called on governments, businesses, and organizations to take concrete action by:

  • Creating opportunities for inclusive employment and fostering multi-sector partnerships to ensure dignified work for youth with disabilities.
  • Investing in empowerment through education, training, mentorship, and digital skills, while ensuring young people actively participate in shaping policies that affect their lives.
  • Establishing measurable and transparent reporting mechanisms to track progress toward economic inclusion and hold stakeholders accountable for meaningful change.

Engaging with partners throughout the summit, the youth delegates emphasized the urgent need for increased resourcing, advocacy, capacity development, and collaboration among stakeholders and organizations of persons with disabilities (OPDs). Strengthening these efforts is essential to creating lasting impact and ensuring that youth with disabilities have the opportunities and support they need to thrive in the workforce.

A Zoom webinar screenshot shows a slide presentation with an inspirational quote referencing Martin Luther King Jr.'s 'I have a dream' speech. The slide expresses a vision for equality, stating, 'All people will hold hands and be treated equally, and no one will be judged by their disability.' Below the text is a photo of a group of people with Down syndrome wearing matching white t-shirts and standing together in front of a banner that reads 'Down Syndrome South Africa.' The slide also thanks the audience for listening to a person with Down syndrome. The Zoom interface displays multiple participants, including interpreters, a speaker named Sheri Brynard, and a raised hand from a participant.

Celebrating World Down Syndrome Day – March 2025

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African Disability Forum (ADF) in collaboration with its member the African Down Syndrome Network (ADSN) commemorated World Down Syndrome Day with a one-and-a-half-hour webinar titled “Empowering Africa – Strengthening Support Systems for a Brighter Future.”

The session was opened by ADF Chairperson, Mr. Idriss Alzouma Maiga, followed by Mr. Ali Jookhun, Chairperson of ADSN. Mr. Auberon Jeleel Odoom from Inclusion Africa and General Secretary of ADF, presented “An Analysis of Support Structures Across African Nations and Strategies for Enhancement.”

Mr. Nathan Rowe from Down Syndrome International highlighted the importance of comprehensive support for individuals with Down Syndrome and urged governments to improve existing support systems.

Sheri Brynard, a self-advocate from Down Syndrome South Africa, shared her personal success story and emphasized that people with Down Syndrome not only receive support but also have the ability to support others.

At the end, participants raised the critical role of mobilizing the African Union in advancing the movement.

The session was attended by more than 70 participants and was moderated by Ancella Ramjas from ADSN.

Webinar poster for World Down Syndrome Day featuring the topic: 'Empowering Africa – Strengthening Support Systems for a Brighter Future.' The top section includes logos of the Africa Down Syndrome Network, African Disability Forum, and World Down Syndrome Day. Below the topic banner, there are photos of six speakers and their titles: Ancella Ramjas (Moderator), Mr. Idris Maiga Alzouma (Chairperson, African Disability Forum), Mr. Auberon Jeleel Adoom (Inclusion Africa and African Disability Forum), Mr. Ali Jookhun (Chairperson, Africa Down Syndrome Network), Sheri Brynard (National Self-Advocate of Down Syndrome South Africa and DSi Ambassador), and Nathan Rowe (Programme Director, Down Syndrome International). The bottom of the poster displays event details: Date – March 27, 2025; Time – 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM (EAT); Venue – Online (Zoom). A green ribbon symbol is included on the right side. The footer states: 'Sign Language Interpretation & Closed Captioning will be available.

Webinar on Empowering Africa – Strengthening Support Systems for a Brighter Future

by Uncategorized

In observance of World Down Syndrome Day, we are pleased to invite you to a special webinar focused on empowering individuals with Down syndrome by strengthening support systems across Africa.

The Africa Down Syndrome Network in collaboration with The Africa Disability Forum will be hosting a webinar in commemoration of World Down Syndrome Day on the 27 March. Many countries do not have the support systems required to support the needs of persons with disabilities. Self-advocates and experts will share their perspective on how support systems can be improved and how government leaders can make a change.

Join us as we bring together experts, advocates, and individuals with lived experiences to explore key strategies for building a more inclusive and supportive society.

📅 Date: 27 March 2025
🕒 Time: 12:30 – 13:30 EAT
📍 Platform: Zoom
🔗 Registration: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_EZlYelVdQ7eDlXqsJS5xYw

Sign Language interpretation and closed captioning will be available. Additionally, French and Portuguese interpretation will be provided.

Save the date!!!!!!