As we conclude another significant year at Africa’s Voices, we reflect on our ongoing commitment: placing the voices of the people at the heart of the conversations that truly matter to them. Now well into our second decade, I am honored to share the progress we’ve made in amplifying the perspectives of people across the African continent and ensuring these insights contribute meaningfully to decision-making and the continent’s journey forward.
2024 was a year of both strengthening our foundations and embracing new approaches. From empowering communities in the Southeastern Kenya Economic Bloc to lead their own climate change adaptation efforts, to amplifying the energy of youth voices at Somalia’s Jilka Maanta Festival, our work has consistently highlighted a powerful truth: engaging deeply with citizens transforms not only projects but also informs policies and shifts perspectives.
Across the continent, citizens, many from traditionally marginalized communities, have actively engaged with our platforms, sharing their experiences with clarity and purpose. Through interactive radio, SMS, and community dialogue, their voices have illuminated critical issues, identified local solutions, and inspired positive change in areas such as climate change resilience, peacebuilding, girls’ education, and social cohesion. These engagements are more than data; they represent lived realities that should fundamentally shape how development is understood and implemented.
This year, we connected with over 15,000 participants across various projects and geographies, receiving more than 72,000 messages filled with hopes, frustrations, ideas, clear needs and demands. These numbers underscore a growing sense of citizen agency, and they challenge us to continuously refine 3 ANNUAL REPORT 2024 how we listen, respond, and adapt. A key innovation this year was the wider deployment of Interactive Voice Recording (IVR), providing an important alternative to SMS for those who prefer to communicate through speech.
We also recognize that challenges persist. Effectively bridging the gap between citizen voice and tangible influence, particularly in more volatile contexts, requires sustained dedication, stronger collaborations, and a steadfast commitment to centering equity and inclusion in all our work. During the year, the strong desire of the continent’s youth, especially in Kenya and East Africa, to be heard and understood was evident through significant demonstrations. At Africa’s Voices, we are investing in more effective methodologies, building robust partnerships, and supporting our dedicated team to ensure that every voice has the opportunity to be heard, and every valuable insight is considered.
Looking to the future, our vision remains clear: an African continent where the voices of its people are not just heard but are central to decisions that affect them. We are eager to broaden our impact, deepen our evidence base, and co-create solutions in partnership with those who understand their realities best;the people themselves. To all our partners, our valued supporters, and the communities who participate in our work: thank you. Your trust and collaboration are essential to making this impact possible. Together, we are building not just programmes, but pathways toward dignity, justice, and lasting positive change
Read the the report by CLICKING HERE.
Samuel Kimeu
info@africasvoices.org / samuel@africasvoices.org
