By Peace Muthoka.
Africa took a major step forward in disability advocacy as the African Disability Forum (ADF) and the International Disability Alliance (IDA) hosted the first African Regional Pre-Summit. Co-hosted by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the summit followed the African Disability Conference, held from September 2-4, 2024, in Nairobi, Kenya. Delegates from 40 African countries came together, marking a significant moment in advancing inclusivity for persons with disabilities.
The summit focused on amplifying African voices in shaping regional and global commitments on disability rights, addressing issues of accessibility, equity, and development. Mercy Wanjau, Secretary to the Cabinet of Kenya, set a powerful tone, stating, “As Africa navigates the evolving landscape, we are tasked with rethinking our approach to inclusivity and development, ensuring that the needs and rights of persons with disabilities are at the forefront.”
Key figures, including Idriss Maiga, Chairperson of ADF, Hon. Mudford Zachariah Mwandenga from the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and Jose Viera, Interim Executive Director of IDA, chaired the opening session. Their collective presence highlighted the importance of a unified approach in addressing the challenges persons with disabilities face across the continent.
Idriss Maiga stressed the crucial role of regional contributions in the upcoming Global Disability Summit (GDS) set for April 2025 in Berlin, Germany. “This Pre-Summit is an opportunity for us to elevate African perspectives on disability rights, ensuring that our voices lead the way in defining the global agenda,” he noted.
Beyond policy discussions, the summit encouraged collaboration among regional bodies like the African Union, Arab League, and European Union. Aligning regional priorities, participants aimed to influence global disability policies effectively.
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Nawaf Kabbara, President of IDA, underscored the significance of regional gatherings like this, saying, “Regional summits like the African Pre-GDS Summit are crucial in shaping the Global Disability Summit and ensuring that persons with disabilities are at the heart of international, regional, and national processes.”
Dom Haslam, Deputy CEO of Sightsavers International, praised the event, remarking, “The first African regional disability summit has lived up to all expectations. Now it is time for governments across Africa and the world to live up to their responsibilities.”
The Pre-Summit set a strong foundation for disability advocacy in Africa, with the insights and pledges formed in Nairobi expected to play a key role at the Global Disability Summit in 2025.
