Bringing together business leaders, policymakers, and disability rights advocates to shape Africa’s future approach to disability inclusion, the inaugural Valuable 500 Africa Summit took place at the Houghton Hotel in Johannesburg on September 9.

Described as the premier business forum for companies prioritising disability inclusion, the summit created a platform for corporate leaders to exchange ideas, learn from best practices, and position themselves at the forefront of inclusive business in Africa. Afrika Tikkun hosted, in partnership with the Valuable 500 and the Gauteng provincial government.

Read more: Voices of inclusion rise at the Valuable 500 Africa summit

The Valuable 500 is the world’s largest CEO-led movement dedicated to ending disability exclusion in business. What began at the World Economic Forum in 2019 now includes 527 of the world’s leading organisations.

Afrika Tikkun Group CEO Marc Lubner urged delegates to turn commitment into action. “Too often, we gather simply to talk. This summit is not about more talk, it is about action. Inclusion must be embedded into mainstream systems, from education to the workplace, if we are to create lasting change.”

Also read: I AM ME Summit calls South Africa to embrace true inclusion

Katy Talikowska, CEO of the Valuable 500, emphasised the importance of Africa’s role within the global movement. “This summit is long overdue, not because Africa needed us to arrive, but because the world must finally pay attention to what is already happening here every single day.”

The event promoted leadership, reporting, and representation as the three pillars of an Africa framework that echoes the Valuable 500’s global mission. It also saw the launch of Valuable 500 Africa, with 50 founding companies pledging to put inclusion at the heart of their business models.

Government representatives highlighted the need for policies and legislation that create an enabling environment for people with disabilities. They stressed that while frameworks for universal access and performance plans exist, changing attitudes is equally critical.

Speakers also reminded delegates that more than 80 million people in Africa live with disabilities, representing, not only a moral responsibility, but also a significant economic opportunity. Inclusive hiring, accessible infrastructure, and leadership accountability were identified as key areas where progress is urgently needed.
The summit concluded with a call to maintain momentum beyond the day’s discussions. African companies were encouraged to showcase their progress at SYNC 25, a global accountability summit taking place in Tokyo in December.

The message from Johannesburg was clear: Disability inclusion is not an act of charity; it is a business imperative, and African companies have the opportunity to lead the way.

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