Tanzania and Canada have pledged to strengthen cooperation in promoting the rights, inclusion and economic empowerment of persons with disabilities, reflecting growing international efforts to build more inclusive societies.
The commitment was made during a bilateral meeting held on June 10, 2026, at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on the sidelines of the 19th Session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (COSP19).
The meeting brought together Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups, Eng. Maryprisca Mahundi, and Canada’s Parliamentary Secretary for Disability Inclusion, Leslie Church, alongside senior officials and disability experts from both countries.
The discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in advancing disability rights, expanding economic opportunities and improving access to essential services for persons with disabilities.
Speaking during the meeting, Ms Mahundi said Tanzania’s Development Vision 2050 places inclusion at the centre of the country’s long-term development agenda, recognising persons with disabilities as important contributors to social and economic transformation.
She noted that the vision seeks to guarantee equal opportunities in education, healthcare, employment and social protection, while ensuring that development programmes reach all segments of society.
“Tanzania is committed to creating an inclusive environment where persons with disabilities can fully participate in national development and enjoy equal opportunities,” she said.
Employment emerged as a key area of discussion, with Tanzanian officials outlining measures aimed at increasing workforce participation among persons with disabilities.
These include the implementation of the Persons with Disabilities Act of 2010, which requires employers with at least 20 workers to ensure that a minimum of three percent of their workforce consists of qualified persons with disabilities.
The legislation forms part of broader efforts to promote economic inclusion and reduce barriers that have historically limited employment opportunities for people living with disabilities.
For her part, Ms Church encouraged Tanzania to continue strengthening social protection systems and economic empowerment programmes while investing in public awareness campaigns to address misconceptions surrounding disability.
She said greater awareness would help reduce stigma and discrimination while creating an environment that enables persons with disabilities to live independently and contribute more effectively to the economy.
Ms Church further highlighted the importance of expanding access to vocational training, affordable financing and social support programmes as tools for enhancing economic participation and improving livelihoods.
The two countries also explored opportunities for cooperation in improving disability legislation, strengthening accessibility standards, enhancing data collection systems and sharing best practices in policy implementation.
Officials from both sides agreed that reliable data and effective policy frameworks are essential for ensuring that disability inclusion efforts translate into tangible improvements in people's lives.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to deepen collaboration and exchange experiences in pursuit of inclusive development goals.
As countries around the world seek to accelerate the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, the Tanzania-Canada partnership is expected to contribute to stronger policies and programmes that promote equal opportunities, protect fundamental rights and advance the full participation of persons with disabilities in society.
