Prince Akpah: We hope to reaffirm that activists are not alone in their struggles

What led to the decision to host this assembly in Maputo, Mozambique, and what kind of unique energy does bringing this gathering to Southern Africa infuse into our collective struggle at this critical moment? »

Hosting AAMA 2026 in Maputo, Mozambique, is part of Africans Rising’s broader vision of making the Assembly a truly pan-African gathering that can be hosted in different parts of the continent. Over the years, we have recognised the need to reach countries and regions that have not always been at the centre of our activities, and this year’s Assembly provides an opportunity to bridge that gap by bringing Southern Africa closer to the wider movement. We are particularly encouraged by the strong interest and applications we have received from movements and individuals in Mozambique, demonstrating the local impact of the Assembly even before it begins. Beyond bringing people together, we want AAMA to create opportunities for local movements to exchange experiences, learn from comrades across the continent and build lasting connections. Our hope is that Maputo will not only host a pan-African gathering but also become a space where new relationships, ideas and collaborations emerge to strengthen our collective struggle for a united Africa.

Bringing together hundreds of grassroots activists, trade unionists, feminist leaders, and cultural workers from over 50 countries is no small task. What have been the most significant successes and challenges you’ve faced in coordinating travel, visa processes, and ensuring accessibility to safely unite this diverse, pan-African delegation in Maputo?

Africans Rising was built on the contributions of grassroots activists, trade unionists and movement builders who have dedicated their time and energy to advancing the vision of a united Africa. The All-African Movements Assembly (AAMA) was established to recognise these contributions and strengthen solidarity among African movements. Coordinating the 2026 Assembly in Maputo has been a significant learning experience, particularly in managing travel arrangements, navigating visa processes and working to ensure participants can attend safely. One of our greatest successes has been establishing a Local Organising Committee (LOC), whose local knowledge, networks and guidance have been invaluable in coordinating activities and engaging relevant stakeholders. While funding constraints and the complexities of international travel and visa procedures have presented challenges, the experience has reinforced the importance of local partnerships, collaboration and collective responsibility in bringing our diverse pan-African movement together.

AAMA 2026 moves away from the rigid format of traditional corporate conferences, embracing participatory, movement-led approaches. As the lead organizer, how did you thoughtfully craft the schedule and spaces, like the fireside chats and interactive Breakout Sessions, to make sure that the authentic, lived experiences of frontline defenders take precedence over academic theories?

AAMA was intentionally designed to be more than a traditional conference; it is a gathering created by and for movements, recognising that many grassroots organisations and activists have limited opportunities to meet, exchange experiences and learn from one another. In crafting the programme, we wanted to create multiple opportunities for meaningful participation, including movement exchanges where participants can share practical experiences, workshops and training sessions to build new skills and knowledge, and interactive spaces such as fireside chats and breakout sessions that encourage open dialogue. AAMA is also an important platform for building networks, connecting people who may be meeting for the first time, and showing solidarity with comrades across the continent who continue to confront injustice but may not be able to join us physically. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure that the programme reflects the realities, experiences and needs of the movements themselves, making the Assembly a space where participants do not simply listen, but learn from one another, build relationships and strengthen our collective struggle for a united Africa.

This year’s assembly layout prominently features dedicated Movement Care Zones staffed by professional trauma healers. What inspired the decision to incorporate these quiet reflection spaces into the venue, and how do you ensure that trauma-informed, feminist healing practices are seamlessly integrated into such a dynamic political gathering?

Movements and activists often work in difficult and emotionally demanding situations, confronting different forms of injustice and challenges within their communities. In many cases, they carry these experiences without having adequate spaces to reflect, share their burdens or receive the support they need. We have witnessed this within our own movement, and it inspired us to create dedicated Movement Care Zones at AAMA. These spaces offer movement leaders an opportunity to pause, reflect on their work, connect with professional trauma healers and receive emotional support and encouragement. We recognise that caring for the people who sustain our movements is just as important as the work they do. By incorporating these spaces into the Assembly, we hope to reaffirm that activists are not alone in their struggles, while helping them feel supported, strengthened and encouraged to continue the important work their organisations and communities depend on.

By Nadège Christelle BOWA