04/09/2026
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 3 September 2026
Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection of Ghana and Representative of African Union Champion on Gender and Development, joined African leaders and partners at the official opening of the inaugural Africa Care Forum in Addis Ababa.
The Forum provides a highlevel platform to affirm the central role of the care economy in Africa’s development. It positions care as a strategic pillar of economic transformation, underscoring how investments in care systems can drive inclusive growth, expand women’s economic participation, create decent jobs, strengthen human capital, boost productivity, and build resilience across the continent.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Dr. Lartey expressed her honor in participating in this historic gathering under the theme “Placing Care at the Centre of Africa’s Development Agenda.” On behalf of H.E. John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana and AU Champion for Gender and Development, she conveyed warm greetings to the African Union Commission and commended its Women, Gender and Youth Directorate for establishing this continental platform for dialogue, learning, and action on care.
She highlighted Ghana’s commitment to advancing gender equality and social protection, noting that the unequal distribution of unpaid care continues to limit women’s opportunities in education, work, entrepreneurship, and leadership. She stated that, Ghana had launched the ‘National Gender Policy 2025–2034’, to provide a framework to address structural barriers and promote equal opportunities.
She also emphasized the ‘Early Childhood Care and Development Policy 2025’, which adopts a comprehensive approach to health, nutrition, education, protection, and inclusion, recognizing the vital role of parents and caregivers.
The Minister called for the Forum to mark the beginning of a new continental compact for care ; one that ensures stronger commitment, policy coherence, and sustained investment in inclusive, genderresponsive, and accessible care systems that empower women and girls, strengthen families, and advance Africa’s sustainable development.