Human Capital Development and Social Inclusion in Africa: A Focus on People Living with Disabilities
Abstract
Human capital plays a pivotal role in the transformation of African economies. Despite the fact that access to sources of human capital in Africa, although still low, has increased significantly over the past two decades. However, new policies and programs across the continent have highlighted the importance of social inclusion. African countries have led the charge towards progress in some domains, yet, as in other parts of the world, positive developments are uneven in Africa. They have left many areas and groups behind. People living with disabilities (PLWDs) are among the many groups that have be left behind and need attention because they face significant challenges related to multidimensional poverty, discrimination, social exclusion, and lack of access to education, healthcare, and employment, despite the existence of legal frameworks promoting their rights. This study aims to explore human capital development and social inclusive in Africa with a focus on PLWDs in Africa. Specifically, it explores the barriers that PLWDs experience in human capital development in terms of education, skills, and healthcare, and also proffers a pathway forward for developing the human capital of PLWDs to enable them live in dignity and contribute to the national economic growth and development of Africa.
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