Leveraging Regional Platforms and Advocates to Enhance SRHR Services and Outcomes in Africa

Despite strong policy frameworks and commitments to global SRHR charters, Africa continues to face significant challenges in achieving SRHR targets. These include inadequate financing, limited evidence to support investment decisions, weak regional-country synergies, and underdeveloped advocacy networks. With Africa’s population rapidly growing and global development aid declining, there is an urgent need for African institutions to take ownership of the continent’s development agenda.

The “Leveraging Regional Platforms and Advocates to Enhance SRHR Services and Outcomes in Africa” project seeks to enhance the enabling environment for SRHR action across Africa, with a particular focus on adolescent and youth SRHR (AYSRHR) and the intersection of SRHR with climate and environmental issues. The project will leverage regional platforms to promote cross-country learning, showcase best practices, and stimulate policy and programmatic action.

1. Evidence Synthesis: Utilize findings from existing research (e.g., AFIDEP’s prior work  in AYSRHR, and the climate-SRHR nexus) to identify successful SRHR strategies.
2. Advocacy Training: Conduct training for national champions in Kenya and Côte d’Ivoire, focusing on evidence-informed advocacy and SRHR financing.
3. Regional Engagement: Map regional SRHR ecosystems, identify gaps, and share learnings through regional convenings and targeted capacity-building sessions.
4. Co-Creation with Stakeholders: Engage stakeholders in regional bodies and selected national governments to refine priorities in leveraging regional bodies to advance countries’ SRHR progress.

1. Creation of a repository of best practices and policy scenarios to support SRHR advocacy and funding.
2. A network of trained national and regional champions equipped to influence policy and drive SRHR initiatives.
3. An inventory of financial and technical gaps to guide future SRHR investments.
4. Strengthened regional mechanisms for monitoring and accountability, contributing to Africa’s Agenda 2063 and the SDGs.