Africa’s 1st OPD-Led Regional Conference: 3 Key Takeaways for the Future of Inclusive Development

News | September 6, 2024

David Bainbridge, Executive Director of CBM Global, and Anderson Gitonga, Inclusive Development Director, share their thoughts on the historic Africa Disability Forum (ADF) conference, held in Nairobi from September 1–5 which included a preparatory session for the Global Disability Summit. This event was a groundbreaking milestone—the first ever regional conference in Africa led by representatives of national, sub-regional and Pan-African organisations of persons with disabilities, and CBM Global was proud to provide some funding to support it alongside other partners. 
 
With the theme “Persons with Disabilities in a Post-Pandemic World: Redefining the Inclusive Development & Humanitarian Agenda in Africa”,  the conference tackled a wide range of pressing issues including: poverty and inequality, access to education and economic opportunities, inclusive humanitarian assistance, climate action, gender inclusion, and community participation. More than 40 countries across the continent were represented, showcasing the diversity and dynamism of the disability movement in Africa.  
 
A critical issue raised throughout the conference was the disconnect between policy and practice. While many African countries have commendable policies in place, there remains a glaring gap in their implementation. The conference sought to explore and redefine pathways and the central role of organisations of persons with disabilities in building a future that is inclusive, resilient, and just for all.  
 
Anderson Gitonga says: 

“What remains with me from these engagements is the clarity that OPDs in Africa have in terms of what they want and where they want to go as far as their work is concerned in advancing the rights of persons with disabilities in Africa. They are very clear on the mandate of different stakeholders and how collaboratively they can achieve the movement goals, importantly as elaborated in the Africa Disability Protocol.” 
 
David Bainbridge says:

“It was an honour to witness the passion, leadership, and determination of the OPD participants, whose work is driving transformation across the continent. CBM Global’s OPD partners from Kenya, Madagascar, Burkina Faso, Zimbabwe, and Nigeria shared powerful stories of progress, reaffirming our conviction that we can create more inclusive, accessible, and equitable societies through our collaborative work.” 
 
Here are our three key takeaways from the conference: 
 
1. OPDs are finally leading the conversation 

For years, international cooperation efforts have discussed the need for greater OPD involvement. The Global Disability Summit in 2022 emphasized the importance of authentic engagement with persons with disabilities and their representative organizations. It was truly refreshing to see that vision come to life at the ADF conference, where OPDs took centre stage, with NGOs like CBM Global in a supportive role. 
 
This shift is monumental. No longer are conferences dominated by international NGOs and other external stakeholders. As José Viera, Executive Director of IDA, stated, “We must ensure the agenda is led by representative organizations. We are no longer asking for more rights and more inclusion. We are now working as partners to governments, the UN, and INGOs to advance the CRPD.” 
 
2. Addressing the resource gap 

A major theme throughout the event was the need to invest in OPDs at every level—global, regional, national, and local—so they can fully embrace their role in advancing disability rights. However, this cannot happen without addressing the resource gap. There is an urgent need for INGOs and donors to step up their support, not only through project funding but also through organisational strengthening. Shuaib Chalklen, Executive Director of African Disability Forum, a leading voice at the conference, highlighted the need for greater funding for ADF and for building the capacity of OPD members in critical areas like project design, financial management, and reporting. 
 
We recognize this challenge and are committed to advocating for more resources to flow directly to OPDs, ensuring they have the support they need to grow and thrive. 
 
3. Truly leaving no one behind 

The conference underscored the importance of reaching those who are often excluded from disability discussions. Participants spoke powerfully about systemic barriers and the deep-rooted exclusion faced by people with psychosocial and intellectual disabilities—groups that are often overlooked. Children with disabilities, persons with albinism and persons who are deaf blind are also often overlooked. Gender was a key issue raised, women and girls with disabilities face additional layers of discrimination due to entrenched social norms and biases. While all women experience inequality, those with disabilities are often doubly disadvantaged. The conference was a stark reminder that we must intensify our efforts to include and uplift those most marginalized in our communities. 
 
Moving Forward: Our Commitment 

The insights we gained from this critically important conference will guide CBM Global’s ongoing commitment to effective partnerships with OPDs. We believe that partnership and accountability to the disability movement are essential, and we are guided by a human rights approach that values the lived experiences and expertise of OPDs. 
 
We are committed to promoting diversity and strengthening the involvement of people from diverse backgrounds and impairments, including those from under-represented groups facing intersectional discrimination. We are increasing our financial support to OPD partners, with a focus on sustainable organisational development, recognising the importance of core operational costs in achieving long-term success. 
 
The conference was a clear signal that change is not only possible—it’s happening.  The conference declaration was a call to action, urging governments and stakeholders to close this gap and ensure that policies translate into real, tangible changes for persons with disabilities. Together, we are building a future where persons with disabilities lead the way in shaping the inclusive, accessible, and equitable societies we all want to see. Let’s keep the momentum going. 

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