INTRODUCTION: Africa's quest for inclusion: Trends and patterns

Social inclusion is a multifaceted concept and is a critical pillar for transformative economic development. Its opposite, social exclusion entails the lack of or denial of resources, rights, goods and services, and the inability to participate in normal relationships and activities, available to people in a society, whether in economic, social, cultural, or political contexts. It affects the quality of life of individuals, the equity and cohesion of society and the lived experiences of citizens (Levitas, Pantazis, Fahmy, Gordon, Lloyd, & Patsios, 2007). Social inclusion, considers the terms of engagement of individuals and or groups in society, assessing the ability of the system to improve the capability, opportunity, and dignity of those disadvantaged based on their identity (World Bank, 2024). The inability of individuals or communities to make meaningful and consistent contributions reflects their exclusion. Exclusion can be based on age, gender, occupation, ethnicity, race, religious beliefs, citizenship, disability, or sexual orientation (World Bank, 2024). There are differing levels of exclusion. When exclusion is deep, it is characterised by a lack of access to one or more domains resulting in severe negative consequences to quality of life, well-being, and future life chances (Levitas et al., 2007).