A new era for older people in Africa: AU Protocol on Rights of Older Persons comes into force

What are the benefits for older people in Africa? 

For millions of older Africans, the coming into force of this Protocol means that their rights and freedoms are no longer on the sidelines—they are front and centre, protected by law.

The Protocol is more than just a legal document—it is a lifeline for older people who face the challenges of growing older in Africa. Here are some of the key advantages: 

1. Protection from abuse and violence – Older people will have stronger legal protection against abuse, violence, and exploitation. Governments are now required to take action to prevent and address elder abuse, which too often goes unreported. 
2. Better access to healthcare – The Protocol ensures that older people will have better access to healthcare services, including preventive and rehabilitative care. This is crucial for managing age-related illnesses and improving overall well-being. 
3. Income security and social protection – Many older people in Africa live in poverty without adequate financial support. The Protocol commits governments to providing pensions and other forms of social protection, giving older people financial security and peace of mind. 
4. Promotion of dignity and autonomy – The rights of older people to live independently and make decisions about their own lives will be safeguarded. This ensures that they can live with dignity, free from unnecessary intervention in their personal affairs. 
5. Participation in society – Older people will have a greater role in community and national decision-making, ensuring their voices are heard in matters that affect them. This represents a shift in mindset—older people are not just beneficiaries of support but active contributors to society. 

Key contributions by HelpAge and the global network 

Members of the HelpAge global network in Africa played a critical role in bringing the AU Protocol on the Rights of Older Persons to life, championing the rights of older people at every stage of the process.  

1. Advocacy and awareness-raising – HelpAge has been at the forefront of advocacy efforts pushing for the adoption and ratification of the Protocol. We built awareness among governments, civil society, and the public about the importance of protecting the rights of older people. Through research, policy briefs, and high-level engagement, we demonstrated the urgency of addressing age-related discrimination and ensuring legal protections for older people across Africa. 
2. Building strategic partnerships and influencing – HelpAge worked with the network to bring together stakeholders, including governments, UN agencies, regional bodies, and other civil society organisations. By facilitating dialogue and collaboration, we helped create a strong coalition of support for the Protocol. This involved working closely with the African Union to ensure that the Protocol’s provisions reflected the real needs and challenges faced by older people on the continent. 
3. Amplifying the voices of older people – A major strength of HelpAge’s contribution has been its ability to bring the voices of older people to the decision-making table. Through consultations, community outreach, and participatory research, older people across Africa were able to share their lived experiences, which shaped the content of the Protocol. HelpAge’s work ensured that the Protocol was grounded in the realities of older people, making it a true reflection of their needs. 
4. Promoting accountability and implementation – Even before the Protocol comes into force, HelpAge and its partners have been preparing the groundwork for its successful implementation. This includes advocating for governments to create laws and policies that align with the Protocol and continuing to monitor progress to hold governments accountable.  
5. Engaging with the African Union and Member States – HelpAge has actively engaged with the African Union throughout the process, offering expertise and support to AU Member States to understand the importance of the Protocol and its potential to improve the lives of older people. This engagement was crucial in securing the commitment of governments to ratify the Protocol and implement its provisions. 

Looking ahead 

While the ratification of the AU Protocol on the Rights of Older Persons is a significant victory, the work is not over. It is now up to the AU member states to implement the protocol fully and ensure that its promises become a reality in the everyday lives of older people. Civil society organisations, governments, and communities must continue to collaborate to uphold these new legal protections and create lasting change that ensures older people enjoy their full rights and freedoms on an equal basis with other population groups.

At HelpAge, our focus is clear: we must advocate for the implementation of the Protocol and ensure its monitoring through the AU Commission’s processes. This is a significant opportunity for us to offer technical support to Member States, drawing on our expertise in ageing and older people. Additionally, we will press for the remaining 40 Member States to accede to the Protocol, aiming for universal ratification by all 55 Member States.  

The AU Protocol on the Rights of Older Persons comes into force on 4 November 2024, following its ratification by Angola, Benin, Burundi, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic, Sao Tome and Principe, and Togo.