Children Are Holding Africa’s Leaders to Account

The culmination of their intensive discussions and deliberations was the development and unanimous adoption of a powerful Outcomes Statement. This document serves as a clear and unequivocal demand for action, monitoring, and consistent feedback from the current political leaders of the continent’s 55 nations. The children made it abundantly clear: they are weary of talk shops and are determined not to revisit the same unresolved issues at the next ACS in 2027. The key takeaways of their demands, articulated with remarkable clarity and maturity, are as follows:

• Free and Fair Education for All: The resounding call was for the abolition of school fees at all levels, ensuring every child has access to education regardless of their family’s financial status. They advocated for government support through bursaries and scholarships and emphasised the right of children with disabilities to inclusive education with adequately trained teachers and accessible facilities.
  
  
• Better School Buildings and Facilities: Safe, comfortable, and well-equipped learning environments were deemed essential. This includes more classrooms, desks, clean sanitation, access to clean water, and safe play areas. The need for transportation assistance, such as bicycles or school buses, for children in remote areas was also highlighted.
  
  
• Books, School Supplies, and Technology: Access to essential learning materials and the integration of helpful technology, including computers and AI, particularly for disadvantaged children, were identified as crucial for quality education.
  
  
• Stop Unfair Treatment and Bad Traditions: The children vehemently condemned discriminatory practices that prevent children, especially girls and those with disabilities, from attending school due to early marriage or harmful traditional practices. They demanded equal treatment and the cessation of such traditions.
  
  
• Help Our Families So We Can Stay in School: Recognising the link between family economic stability and school attendance, the young advocates called for support programmes, job creation, and skills development for parents and guardians.
  
  
• End Violence and Keep Us Safe: A fundamental demand for safety at home and school was articulated, encompassing the cessation of bullying, physical abuse, and neglect. The need for accessible support systems and the ratification and enforcement of national laws against child and early marriage were strongly emphasised.
  
  
• Let Children Share Their Ideas: Meaningful participation in decisions affecting their lives was a core request. This included opportunities to speak up, lead school groups, and contribute to shaping rules and plans, with the specific inclusion and accommodation of children with disabilities.
  
  
• Technology That Helps, Not Harms: The children advocated for safe and beneficial access to the internet and digital tools for learning, coupled with education on responsible online behaviour and robust protection from harmful content like pornography and negative media.
  
  
• Healthy Minds and Bodies: Recognising the holistic nature of well-being, the children called for school-provided meals, sanitary pads for girls, mental health support, comprehensive sexuality education, and dedicated time and safe spaces for play and relaxation. Furthermore, they demanded stricter laws against substance abuse among children, including penalties for parents enabling such behaviour and provisions for foster care for affected children.
  
  

The Africa Children’s Summit 2025 was more than just a conference; it was a powerful declaration from the continent’s youngest citizens. Their unified voice, amplified by their collective experiences and articulated with compelling clarity, has laid down a challenge to Africa’s leaders. The demand for action, for tangible results that will shape a brighter future, is resounding.

Expressing gratitude for the logistical and moral support, Dr Linda Ncube-Nkomo, CEO of the NMCF, stated, “We are grateful to all of our partners and sponsors including St John’s College and Roedean School for providing safe, comfortable, and accessible accommodation; Ford driving our kids in style; Plan International Safe Online; Save the Children South Africa; UNICEF South Africa; Brand South Africa; GCIS; Mtoto News; and Graca Machel Trust.”

The children have spoken; the continent must now listen and, more importantly, act before the next generation gathers in 2027, holding them accountable to the promises made and the changes demanded. The future of Africa depends on it.