Ending statelessness in Africa is both an urgent human rights priority and an achievable goal. The ACHPR Protocol on the Right to a Nationality offers the strongest continental framework to date for addressing the root causes of statelessness and protecting the right to belong. But the impact of this Protocol will depend on sustained advocacy, political will, and coordinated action across governments, regional bodies, and civil society. Civil society organisations are central to driving this work forward. They give visibility to the The journey towards universal recognition of the right to a nationality will take time, but it is within reach. experiences of affected communities, generate evidence for reform, raise public awareness, and hold governments accountable for their commitments. By linking grassroots realities with national and regional decision-making, CSOs help ensure that reforms are informed, inclusive, and grounded in human rights principles. At the heart of these efforts are the voices and leadership of stateless persons themselves. Their lived experience is essential to shaping solutions that are just, practical, and responsive to the realities on the ground. Ensuring their meaningful participation strengthens advocacy. The journey towards universal recognition of the right to a nationality will take time, but it is within reach. Every signature, every ratification, every policy change, and every story shared moves the continent closer to a future where no one is denied belonging. With persistence, collaboration, and strategic action, civil society can help turn the promise of the ACHPR Protocol on the Right to a Nationality into real change: a continent where every person has a nationality, can enjoy their rights, and lives with the dignity and protection that legal identity provides. 50