Taking the form of a structured, evidence-based policy-practice-research dialogue, the conference aims to offer a platform for urgently needed region-wide reflection and debate on the kinds of systems and approaches Africa ought to pursue to meet the need for long-term care and support in its rapidly growing older population. To this end, the conference will bring together an anticipated 100 researchers, service providers, advocates, private sector and government stakeholders in two and a half days of expert panels, open discussion and small group