A voice for Africa’s children
The African Child Policy Forum (ACPF) is an independent, not-for- profit, Pan-African institute of policy research and advocacy for the African child. ACPF was established with the conviction that putting children first on the public agenda is fundamental to the realisation of their rights and wellbeing, and to bringing about lasting social and economic progress in Africa.
Our Vision
An Africa where every child enjoys all rights and attains their full human potential.
Our Mission
To be a leading advocate for policies that are inclusive of all children.
Our Values & Principles
ACPF’s work is rights based, inspired by universal values, informed by global experiences and knowledge, anchored in African realism and committed to internationalism. Our work is guided by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC), and other regional and international human rights instruments.
- We are guided by universal human rights principles and African values.
- We believe in the inherent rights of the human person as well as the universality, inalienability and interdependence of human rights.
- We embrace the African humanist philosophy of Ubuntu (“I am because we are”) – the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity.
- We celebrate Africa’s diversity and believe in non-discrimination and inclusiveness, especially towards vulnerable children who suffer discrimination and exclusion.
- We believe in the power of partnerships and networks, bringing change with others, and working collaboratively and in solidarity to develop a more inclusive and diverse child rights space.
- We engage constructively with national governments, regional and international bodies and others in the child rights space because we believe that change happens through collaboration and collective action.
ACPF is an institution that works passionately for children in Africa. I have always been fascinated by the organisation’s achievements along the years. It is an institution that deserves to be encouraged and supported.
ACPF has demonstrated an impressive capacity to undertake research and build the knowledge base on children in Africa.
Our Impact
ACPF shows what African organisations can do for Africa. Over the years, we have given a voice to children and young people and ensured their opinions are taken into account. We have established networks, movements and partnerships which bring together like-minded organisations and activists.
We are proud of our work with numerous African civil society organisations, experts and scholars, without whose passion and relentless efforts, gains would not have been made. ACPF has been privileged to have institutional support from Plan International and Investing in Children and their Societies (ICS). Partners such as Save the Children, UNICEF and OAK Foundation – to name but a few – have provided substantial financial and technical assistance. We are deeply grateful to all of them.
Since 2003, we have significantly enhanced the wellbeing of African children; pioneered conversations about child rights and wellbeing; held governments to account; innovated tools to promote accountability; and put forgotten children and emerging threats on the agenda.
We have raised the regional and international prominence of the African children’s agenda through a reinvigorated and expanded network of partners. Our flagship African Report on Child Wellbeing series and signature research reports
inform and influence governments. Fora such as the International Policy Conference on the African Child and our technical symposiums have made a significant contribution to shaping the African children’s agenda.
