Zambia Joins Inaugural African Disability Conference in Nairobi
Zambia participated in the first African Disability Conference in Nairobi, focusing on enhancing the inclusion of persons with disabilities (PWD) in national development agendas.
Themed “Persons with Disabilities in a Post-pandemic World: Redefining Inclusive Development & Humanitarian Agenda in Africa,” the conference attracted representatives from 40 African countries and was organized by the Africa Disability Forum and the International Disability Alliance.
The conference aimed to address current challenges and priorities for PWD across Africa, advocating for the urgent ratification and implementation of the African Disability Protocol.
Discussions covered various topics including technology, poverty, inequality, disability-inclusive social protection, education, and economic opportunities.
Leading Zambia’s delegation, Mr. Kennedy Kalunga, Permanent Secretary for Special Duties at the Cabinet Office, reiterated the country’s commitment to integrating PWD into development efforts.
He emphasized the need for concerted action among stakeholders to ensure meaningful progress and urged for accelerated implementation of Global Disability Summit commitments with a human rights-based approach.
Kenya’s Secretary to the Cabinet, Mrs. Mercy Wanjau, highlighted the role of assistive technology in promoting equal opportunities for PWD in the post-pandemic era.
She acknowledged progress in inclusive development but noted persistent gaps in accessibility, infrastructure, and support for assistive technology.
The conference concluded with a call for African nations to rethink their approach to inclusivity, ensuring that the needs and rights of PWD are central to both development and humanitarian initiatives.
