South Africa Joins Global Talks on Reparatory Justice

The conference is expected to attract Heads of State and Government, ministers, global reparations specialists, legal practitioners and representatives from regional and international organisations.

Minister in the Presidency for Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation Maropene Ramokgopa is leading South Africa's delegation to a high-level international conference focused on advancing reparatory justice linked to the transatlantic slave trade. The conference, taking place in Accra, Ghana, brings together African leaders, policymakers, legal experts, academics and civil society representatives to discuss the implementation of the African Union-led United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/80/250.

Running from 18 to 19 June 2026, the gathering is expected to adopt outcomes that will help shape a global framework for implementing the resolution and advancing efforts aimed at addressing the lasting effects of slavery.

Focus on Development and Historical Justice

South Africa has expressed strong support for the conference and its objectives, viewing reparatory justice as part of a broader effort to confront the long-term social and economic impact of the transatlantic slave trade. According to the Ministry of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation, the country believes discussions on reparations should be linked to development priorities that address persistent challenges affecting Africa and people of African descent around the world.

These challenges include poverty, inequality, debt burdens and underdevelopment, many of which continue to affect communities generations after the end of the slave trade.

South Africa also supports the key principles outlined in the proposed Global Strategic Framework, which seeks to strengthen international cooperation on issues of historical justice, restitution and sustainable development. The framework builds on years of work by the African Union to promote recognition of historical injustices and support measures that can contribute to long-term economic and social transformation.

Global Leaders Seek Common Ground

The conference is expected to attract Heads of State and Government, ministers, global reparations specialists, legal practitioners and representatives from regional and international organisations. Participants will explore practical approaches that can support restorative justice while creating opportunities for more equitable development outcomes across Africa and within the African diaspora.

For South Africa, the event provides an important platform to strengthen international dialogue and encourage consensus on actions that can address the enduring consequences of the transatlantic slave trade. The government has expressed optimism that the discussions in Accra will produce meaningful outcomes that support the implementation of the UN resolution and reinforce the African Union's longstanding position on reparatory justice.

South Africa also hopes the conference will help build greater global understanding of the connection between historical injustices and present-day development challenges facing many African nations and communities of African descent.