IFSW Africa region recently concluded a highly successful sub-regional meeting at the Saint Manick Hotel in Lomé, Togo, on June 28-29, 2024. The event, which brought together social work associations from Benin, Burkina Faso, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, and Togo, focused on developing a strategic plan to enhance institutional and organisational capacities within the region. The meeting was a pivotal step towards improving the living conditions of vulnerable populations across West Africa.
Oluwatoni Adeleke, President of IFSW Africa, emphasised the importance of this gathering, stating, “This meeting marks a significant milestone in our collective efforts to strengthen social work practices and advocacy for social justice across the continent. The collaboration and shared experiences among the different national associations are invaluable for creating a unified approach to tackling social issues in our region.”
The meeting featured a series of presentations and workshops aimed at sharing experiences and best practices, culminating in the development of a comprehensive strategic plan. This plan includes a roadmap for organisational strengthening, capacity building, and preparation for the upcoming IFSW Africa conference scheduled to be held in Dakar, Senegal, in November 2025.
Joachim Mumba, the IFSW Global President, acknowledged the progress made in the Africa region, remarking, “The developments in West Africa reflect a broader commitment to enhancing the profession of social work globally. The strategies and frameworks established here set a precedent for other regions and showcase the potential of social workers to drive meaningful change. The unity and determination demonstrated are inspiring, and we look forward to supporting these efforts on a global scale.”
The Lomé meeting concluded with a strong sense of accomplishment and optimism, as delegates expressed their commitment to implementing the strategic plan and continuing their collaborative efforts. The event not only reinforced the solidarity among social workers in West Africa but also laid a solid foundation for future initiatives aimed at promoting social welfare and justice across the continent.
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