Cape Town, September 2024 – The 3rd Stakeholders’ Convening on Governance, Democracy, and Human Rights in Africa wrapped up a transformative week in Cape Town, where leaders, civil society organizations, and regional bodies came together to tackle the continent’s most pressing challenges. The Southern Africa edition of this landmark event underscored the urgent need for action on issues such as education, climate resilience, transitional justice, and the power of data in driving policy reform.

Participants from across the region laid out ambitious strategies to turn data insights into action, with the shared goal of creating a more inclusive, accountable, and resilient Africa.

A poignant highlight of the convening was the tribute to Dr Webster Zambara, a distinguished peacebuilder whose legacy continues to inspire. Dr Zambara’s commitment to fostering dialogue and resolving conflicts was celebrated by many who shared their personal stories of his impact. His dedication to peace and reconciliation was a guiding light throughout the convening, reminding attendees of the profound difference one individual can make in advancing human rights and governance.

Inclusive education took centre stage as stakeholders reiterated the importance of equitable access for marginalized communities, particularly children with disabilities. The sessions highlighted the urgent need for improved legal frameworks, increased funding for inclusive education, and the removal of systemic barriers. Key advocacy messages included “Inclusive Education as a Fundamental Right” and “Stop Discrimination Against Students with Disabilities” ​.

Preston Govindasamy, the Project Manager for Southern Africa at Afrobarometer, emphasized in his presentation for Data4GovAfrica how education serves as the cornerstone of development across Africa. “Education should leave no one behind,” he said, calling for strengthened legal frameworks and increased funding. The message resonated throughout the convening: inclusive education is not a privilege but a fundamental right.

Climate change was a recurring theme throughout the conference and remained a key focus on the final day. Discussions cantered around how local communities can be better prepared to handle the impacts of climate change. Delegates emphasized the need for “shock responsiveness” to disasters like cyclones and the importance of early warning systems and climate-smart agriculture. Participants called for action on building resilience to secure livelihoods and promote sustainable development, especially for small-scale farmers​.

The convening also took a hard look at the progress of transitional justice in African countries, with many participants acknowledging the unfulfilled promises of truth-telling and reparations in places like South Africa.

Mobilizing the political will to address historical injustices and the trauma experienced by victims was seen as a critical step. Stakeholders called for innovative approaches to storytelling and advocacy that would bring greater public awareness to these unresolved issues, pushing for deeper and more comprehensive healing processes across the continent.

Civil society organizations were recognized as essential actors in holding governance structures accountable. However, participants noted that bureaucratic hurdles often stand in the way of progress. Despite these challenges, there was optimism about forging stronger partnerships with the African Union and its bodies, such as the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM).

A key takeaway from the convening was the need for robust follow-up mechanisms to bridge the gap between policy recommendations and implementation. Delegates emphasized that action plans must not remain symbolic but lead to meaningful changes, particularly on issues like xenophobia and gender-based violence.

Data emerged as a powerful tool for driving governance and accountability throughout the convening. Afrobarometer data was positioned as a key resource for promoting transparency and pushing for policy reforms.

Data-driven advocacy was highlighted as essential for ensuring that governments are held accountable for their commitments. Whether in education, climate action, or human rights, reliable data allows civil society organizations to track progress and expose gaps in governance.

As the convening came to a close, participants reflected on the progress made throughout the week. While Africa has made significant strides in governance, democracy, and human rights, there is still much work to be done.

The road ahead will require sustained collaboration, data-driven advocacy, and stronger partnerships. Delegates left the event with renewed energy and the tools needed to continue pushing for a more inclusive and accountable future for Africa. As the Data for Governance Alliance moves into its next phase, the message was clear: insights must lead to action, and the collective work for a brighter future must continue.