A growing number of African countries have pledged to intensify efforts to protect children from abuse, exploitation, and violence by joining the Pathfinding Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children. The commitment, formalized during the inaugural Ministerial Conference held in Bogotá, Colombia, marks a renewed regional push to meet global child protection targets under the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Global Alliance is a multi-stakeholder platform comprising governments, UN agencies, civil society organizations, and child rights advocates working collectively to eliminate all forms of violence against children by 2030. Countries that sign on as “Pathfinding” states commit to making the issue a national priority, developing comprehensive action plans, collecting and sharing data, and engaging with children and communities to design lasting solutions.
Among the African countries that have joined the initiative are Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Chad, Egypt, Malawi, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Sudan, and Uganda. These nations have acknowledged the growing urgency to address physical, sexual, and emotional violence that millions of children across the continent face daily.
In her keynote address at the Bogotá conference, UN Special Representative on Violence Against Children, Dr. Najat Maalla M’jid, welcomed the commitment of African governments, stating that their participation “marks a significant step toward creating a safer and more just world for children.” She emphasized that the Alliance provides a platform for knowledge-sharing, peer learning, and technical cooperation to ensure that commitments are translated into impactful action.
Nigeria, one of the key participants from Africa, has reiterated its dedication to strengthening its child protection systems. Government officials stated that efforts are underway to update national policies and strengthen legal frameworks in line with global standards. The country is also working to improve data collection mechanisms and foster community-led interventions that ensure children’s voices are heard.
The Alliance promotes a bottom-up, inclusive approach, where governments are encouraged to work closely with grassroots organizations and youth-led movements. The initiative also stresses the importance of accountability and regular progress reviews to measure impact and identify areas for improvement.
As the Alliance grows, African governments are expected to benefit from technical assistance, increased funding opportunities, and access to global best practices in ending violence against children. The move has been widely welcomed by child welfare organizations, who see it as a critical turning point in the fight against the widespread abuse of children in the region.
With over 40 countries worldwide now part of the Alliance, the pathfinding effort signals a new era of global solidarity and action, driven by the shared belief that every child deserves to grow up in safety, dignity, and peace.
