A regional policy dialogue on financing disability inclusion in Africa commenced on October 6, 2026, in Lomé, Togo. The event, organized by the African Forum of Disabled Persons, in collaboration with the International Alliance of Disabled Persons and UNICEF, aims to define common priorities for disability inclusion. Despite many countries adopting inclusive policies and legal frameworks, implementation is hindered by insufficient and fragmented financing.
The dialogue provides a platform for participants to examine financing challenges, identify concrete policy options, and develop a common African position. They will explore broader financing opportunities, including climate financing, gender equality, philanthropy, and debt-related mechanisms. The objective is to strengthen regional dialogue led by disabled persons' organizations and reach a consensus on advocacy priorities and access to financing.
During the three-day event, participants will engage in discussions on several themes, including understanding the financing landscape, national financing, co-financing, accountability, and leadership. They will also explore regional and international financing, partnerships, and regional action. According to the initiators, the dialogue will focus on peer exchanges and consensus-building around priority recommendations, with support from development partners.
The event builds on commitments made under the Amman-Berlin Declaration and the Global Disability Summit, which emphasized the importance of ensuring that financing mechanisms promote genuine inclusion in all sectors. The dialogue will result in a draft African position document reflecting the collective priorities of participating organizations, serving as a basis for future engagement with regional institutions.
Togo's Minister of Solidarity, Gender, Family, and Child Protection, represented by Director of Cabinet Kodjo Agbonon, highlighted the country's initiatives, including the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities on March 1, 2011. He invited participants to constructive exchanges to develop a reference document for African countries.
Alzouma Maiga, President of the African Forum of Disabled Persons, stated that the meeting allows for reflection on making inclusion a reality. Xavier Sire, Deputy Representative of UNICEF in Togo, expressed his institution's commitment to providing technical and financial support to the Togolese government to improve living conditions, particularly for persons with disabilities.
The dialogue brings together 40 participants from Africa to share experiences and develop a common position on disability inclusion financing. The outcome will inform future advocacy efforts and engagement with regional institutions.
Key points
- The regional policy dialogue aims to define common priorities for disability inclusion in Africa.
- The event builds on commitments made under the Amman-Berlin Declaration and the Global Disability Summit.
- The dialogue will result in a draft African position document reflecting collective priorities for disability inclusion financing.
