The mission of the SADPD is to be an African knowledge-based organisation that works in partnership with the AU, African governments, CSOs (Civil Society Organisations) and DPOs (Disabled Persons Organisations)
to promote inclusive development and human rights for people with disabilities
The African Decade of Persons with Disabilities was proclaimed by the AU (African Union) for the period 1999 – 2009.
The Secretariat of the African Decade of Persons with Disabilities(SADPD) opened its doors in Cape Town, South Africa in 2004. The task of setting up the Secretariat was given to the South African disability movement together with the South African government. This decision was taken during the Disability African Regional Consultative Conference in May 2003 in Johannesburg.
In 2006 SADPD started its first regional office in West Africa. The office is situated in Dakar, Senegal and serves as the focal point for all SADPD programmes which are implemented in the region. The office is headed by Mohamed Fall, the programme manager for West, North and Central Africa.
Due to it’s success the Decade has been renewed for a further ten years. The main goals of the African Decade are to raise awareness about the situation of the estimated 60 – 80 million persons with disabilities in the region, and to identify solution tailored to the African experience that enhance participation, equality and empowerment of Africans with disabilities.