Marc Lubner's Afrika Tikkun is leading in corporate disability-inclusive narratives internationally by hosting the Valuable 500 Africa Summit
Global CEOs, Government Leaders, and Disability Advocates Unite at Inaugural Summit to Transform Africa’s Economic Landscape Through Inclusive Innovation
By Simon Manda
JOHANNESBURG, 8 September 2025 – Africa’s most significant gathering of business leaders, policymakers, and disability advocates will convene tomorrow at The Houghton Hotel for the inaugural Valuable 500 Africa Summit. This groundbreaking event, hosted by Afrika Tikkun in partnership with the Valuable 500 and the Gauteng Provincial Government, represents a pivotal moment in advancing disability inclusion across the continent’s rapidly expanding economies.
The Valuable 500 Africa Summit brings together over 300 delegates, including CEOs and executives from top South African companies, government ministers, and disability rights leaders, under the rallying cry “Nothing About Us Without Us” – emphasising authentic representation and meaningful participation of persons with disabilities in economic transformation.
The Valuable 500: A Global Movement with African Potential
The Valuable 500, launched at the World Economic Forum in Davos in 2019, has grown into the world’s largest CEO-driven network committed to disability inclusion. With over 500 companies from 35+ countries representing more than £6.4 trillion in combined revenue and employing over 22 million people globally, the movement has fundamentally changed how international business approaches disability inclusion.
In Africa, where an estimated 60-80 million persons with disabilities face systematic exclusion from economic participation, the business case for inclusion is particularly compelling. Despite representing significant untapped potential, persons with disabilities across the continent experience unemployment rates exceeding 90% in some regions, whilst the global disability market commands £10.4 trillion in purchasing power.
“The Valuable 500 partnership is a clarion call for unity—where government, business, and civil society converge not in charity, but in shared responsibility,” said Marc Lubner, Group CEO of Afrika Tikkun. “For Afrika Tikkun, this summit is more than a gathering; it is a blueprint for an Africa where inclusion is not an afterthought but the foundation. When we align profit with purpose and policy with people, we do more than uplift—we transform futures.”
Valuable 500 African Summit: Africa unites for disability inclusion ahead of G20
South African Context: Leading Continental Change
South Africa’s position as the continent’s economic hub, combined with its progressive legislative framework, including the Employment Equity Act’s 4% target for disability employment, positions the country to lead continental transformation. The Gauteng Provincial Government’s participation underscores the critical role of public-private partnerships in driving systemic change.
Lana Roy, Disability Inclusion Head at Afrika Tikkun, emphasised the urgency of this moment: “We’re witnessing a convergence of opportunity—Africa’s youngest population, fastest-growing economies, and most dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystems create the perfect conditions for building inclusion into the foundation of economic development. The companies that act today will position themselves as leaders in tomorrow’s inclusive economy.”
Distinguished Speaker Programme and Panel Discussions
The Valuable 500 Africa Summit features an exceptional lineup of international and local thought leaders addressing five critical themes through carefully curated panel discussions:
Keynote Speakers:
- Katy Talikowska, CEO of The Valuable 500, delivering the opening address on “The Future of Inclusion: Global Lessons for African Innovation”
- Dr Anthony Giannoumis, CEO of Inclusive Creation and a renowned keynote speaker on inclusive leadership
- Leopoldine Huyghues Despointes, Human Rights Advisor, Activist, and Founder of Vagabond Productions
Panel 1: Inclusive Leadership (Moderated by Katy Talikowska) Featuring Gary Kyriacou (Founder, Marble Hospitality Group), Ilan Messika (CEO, André Messika Ltd.), and Ntungu Masindi (Group Head of People Transformation, Nedbank), this session explores how leaders embed disability inclusion as a core business strategy.
Panel 2: Representation in Communications (Moderated by Jo-Ann Pohl, Senior Advisor, Kearney) Dr Sarah Babb (Founder & MD, Stimm), Dr Karen Smit (Accessibility Lead, Vodacom Group), and Ncebakazi Tyalisi (Junior Cyber Security Specialist, Absa) will showcase practical tools for authentic disability representation in communications and media.
Panel 3: Reporting & Accountability (Moderated by Nyimpini Mabunda, Chairman, Schindler Lifts South Africa) With Sharlene Cassel (Chairlady, South Africa Disability Alliance), Noma Rebe (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Lead, Woolworths), and Precious Nkomo (Transformation Executive, Barone, Budge & Dominick), this session defines credible approaches for transparent disability inclusion reporting.
Panel 4: Public-Private Partnerships (Moderated by Uyanda Mbuli, Visionary Architect & Strategic Advisor) Featuring Ms Phuti Mabelebele (Chief Director, Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities), Marc Lubner, and Dr Miranda Moloto (Head of Rehabilitation, Social Insurance Organisation), exploring collaborative frameworks for scaling disability inclusion.
Panel 5: Innovation & The Future of Work (Moderated by Khethiwe Nkuna, CEO, SkillQuest) Dr Israel Lindokuhle Mkhuma (Senior Lecturer, UNISA), Pascal Bijleveld (CEO, ATscale: The Global Partnership for Assistive Technology), and Sarah Mthintso (Executive Director, SAB Foundation) will examine how technology and innovation create inclusive economic opportunities.
Cultural Programme and Accessibility Features
The Valuable 500 Africa Summit showcases South African artistic excellence whilst demonstrating inclusive practices. Opening performances by the Soweto String Orchestra and The Field Band Foundation will set the tone, whilst Afrika Tikkun’s Orange Farm Disability Youth, directed by Sibikwa Arts Centre, will present original choreography celebrating diverse abilities.
Comprehensive accessibility features include sign language interpretation, real-time captioning, Braille materials, mobility accommodations, and assistive technology support, demonstrating practical implementation of universal design principles.
Strategic Partnerships and Continental Impact
The Valuable 500 Africa Summit’s anchor partners represent a powerful coalition committed to sustainable change. The Gauteng Provincial Government, through its D20 (G20 Disability) initiative, brings policy expertise and legislative backing. The Valuable 500 provides global best practices and CEO network access, whilst Afrika Tikkun contributes three decades of grassroots experience in inclusive development.
Supporting partners include This Day Foundation, the Lubner Family Foundation, AV Systems, and The Venue at Houghton Hotel, each contributing specialised expertise to ensure seamless execution and lasting impact.
Business Case for Immediate Action
Research consistently demonstrates that companies that embrace authentic disability inclusion outperform their peers across multiple metrics. Member companies of the Valuable 500 report enhanced innovation capacity, expanded talent pools, increased market access, and improved employee engagement. In Africa’s growth markets, these advantages become even more pronounced as early adopters establish market leadership positions.
The summit will present concrete implementation frameworks, including:
- The Three Pillars approach: Leadership commitment, meaningful representation, and transparent reporting
- Africa-specific adaptation strategies incorporating Ubuntu philosophy and cultural considerations
- Technology leapfrogging opportunities, leveraging mobile innovation for accessibility
- Measurement tools and accountability frameworks ensuring sustainable progress
Call to Action: Join the Movement
Summit organisers invite African business leaders to seize this historic opportunity by:
- Joining the Valuable 500 network with formal CEO commitments
- Signing the Africa Inclusion Charter for enhanced continental collaboration
- Implementing immediate organisational changes using proven frameworks
- Building authentic partnerships with disability organisations and advocates
The summit’s success will be measured not in today’s conversations but in tomorrow’s commitments and the opportunities created for the continent’s 60-80 million persons with disabilities.
Gratitude and Recognition
Afrika Tikkun extends profound appreciation to the Gauteng Provincial Government for its visionary leadership in supporting this initiative. Special recognition goes to Premier Andrek “Panyaza” Lesufi and Acting Chief Director Zain Bulbulia for their unwavering commitment to inclusive development.
Deep gratitude is extended to the Valuable 500 for bringing their global expertise to African shores, as well as to all speakers, panellists, and delegates whose presence validates the importance of this movement. The foundational contributors—This Day Foundation, Lubner Family Foundation, AV Systems, and The Venue—have made this historic gathering possible through their generous support.
