Africa’s children have spoken. It’s time for adults to act.
The vibrant energy of over 300 young leaders from across Africa filled the halls of the Africa Children’s Summit (ACS) held in Johannesburg, South Africa, from April 4th to 7th, 2025. The summit was hosted in collaboration with the South African Department of Social Development and spearheaded by the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund (NMCF), served as a powerful platform for dialogue between policymakers and the continent’s most crucial stakeholders: its children.
Under the resonant theme, “Seen, Heard and Engaged in Education,” these young advocates didn’t just share stories; they articulated challenges, voiced frustrations, and, most importantly, demanded tangible action from the adults who shape their futures.
The children highlighted a number of issues hindering their well-being. From the looming threat of climate change and the consequences of environmental neglect to the persistent barriers of limited participation, violence, inadequate education, hunger, and insufficient healthcare, their concerns painted a vivid picture of the obstacles they face daily. The pervasive risks of online safety and the often-unfriendly nature of justice systems. These young voices were unified in their conviction: these issues are not for future debate; they demand immediate and decisive action to pave the way for a successful African future.
Professor Philip Jaffé, a member of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, expressed his appreciation to the various dialogues taking place, “It is very exciting to see a summit being conceived and led by children, mostly focusing on child participation, exchanging and addressing very important sensitive issues affecting children like climate change and violence amongst children, it has been a remarkable experience.” This sentiment resonated throughout the summit, emphasising the power and authenticity of centering children’s perspectives in discussions about their own lives.
George Kande, Co-Chair of the Africa Children’s Summit 2025, powerfully captured the prevailing mood. “We have seen and heard from so many different voices, from different children, we have heard the pleasure of engaging with different ministers and other governmental representatives from across the continent on a number of topics affecting African children. In this year’s summit, the key focus is less on policy development but on action and implementation; we want to see results from the implementation plan that we have put forward before the next ACS in 2027.”
This quote encapsulates the summit’s defining characteristic: a resolute call for accountability and a shift from dialogue to demonstrable change.