Arusha, 30 September 2026: The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR) has unveiled its Strategic Plan for the period 2026 – 2028, setting out its priorities for the next three years to enhance access to justice, strengthen institutional effectiveness and improve the delivery of its mandate across Africa.
The Strategic Plan is accompanied by a data-driven Implementation Report that reviews progress, achievements and challenges under the Court’s 2021–2025 Strategic Plan.
The Report highlights significant progress in the Court’s work, including a 27% increase in finalized cases, expanded use of digital technologies and strengthened engagement with stakeholders across the continent.
It also identifies challenges requiring continued attention, particularly the implementation of the Court’s decisions and the need to further strengthen institutional capacity, which have directly informed the priorities of the 2026–2028 Strategic Plan.
The development of the Strategic Plan was informed by extensive consultations with a broad range of stakeholders, including representatives of Member States, African Union organs, civil society organisations, legal practitioners, academia, development partners, media practitioners, Court users, Judges and staff of the Court and members of the general public.
Contributions from all these stakeholders helped shape the Court’s priorities and strategic direction for the next three years.
Building on the findings of the Implementation Report and stakeholder consultations, the 2026–2028 Strategic Plan focuses on enhancing access to justice, modernising judicial processes through increased digitalisation, strengthening institutional capacity, improving service delivery and reinforcing the Court’s contribution to the protection of human and peoples’ rights across the continent.
Commenting on the unveiling of the Strategic Plan, President of the Court Hon. Justice Blaise Tchikaya noted that the new strategic cycle provides an opportunity to consolidate gains made over the years and strengthen the Court’s impact across Africa.
“The Strategic Plan 2026 – 2028 is both a reflection of how far the Court has come and a statement of where we intend to go. As we commemorate 20 years of protecting human and peoples’ rights in Africa, it reaffirms our commitment to making justice more accessible, effective and responsive to the needs of the continent.”
“The Plan provides a clear roadmap for strengthening our work, deepening engagement with stakeholders and ensuring that the Court continues to meet the expectations of those it serves,” said President Tchikaya.
The unveiling of the Strategic Plan comes at a significant moment for the Court, as it commemorates its 20th Anniversary (2006 -2026) under the theme, “20 Years of service in protecting human and peoples’ rights in Africa.”
As the Court reflects on these two decades of its mandate, the Strategic Plan provides a roadmap for building on those achievements, draw lessons from its journey and chart a clear path for the years ahead.
The complete Strategic Plan package, including the 2026–2028 Strategic Plan and the Implementation Report 2021 – 2025, can be accessed through the following link: 2026-2028 Strategic Plan
The documents are available in Arabic, English, French and Portuguese.
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
- The African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights (AfCHPR) is a continental court established by African Union Member States to ensure the protection of human and peoples’ rights in Africa. The Court complements and reinforces the functions of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
- The Court is composed of eleven Judges, nationals of Member States of the African Union elected in their individual capacity. The Court meets four times a year in Ordinary Sessions and may hold Extra-Ordinary Sessions.
- The Court’s mandate includes hearing cases and disputes concerning the interpretation and application of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, as well as any other human rights instrument ratified by the concerned States.
Further information on the Court can be obtained from www.african-court.org Telephone: +255 272 510 510
For further inquiries: Registrar, Dr Robert Eno – Registrar@african-court.org
For media inquiries: Ms. Chipiliro Kansilanga-Ngue, Senior Information & Communication Officer and Head of Communication Unit Chipiliro.Kansilanga@african-court.org
