Baptists from across Africa gathered in Nairobi, Kenya, this month for the 2026 General Gathering of the All Africa Baptist Fellowship (AABF). Held under the theme “Beyond Jerusalem” (Acts 1:8), the Gathering celebrated the diversity of the African Baptist family and its shared calling to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth.
21Wilberforce President Wissam al-Saliby took part in the Gathering. He contributed to the launch of a new initiative on faith and public life and met with Baptist leaders to discuss religious freedom across the continent.
A continental Baptist family
The AABF is the regional body of the Baptist World Alliance (BWA) for Africa, one of six regional fellowships that make up the BWA worldwide. Established in 1982, AABF networks Baptist conventions and unions from 45 African countries for fellowship, missions, evangelism, church planting and disaster response.
The AABF has grown rapidly with four regions, 93 independent bodies uniting 23 million baptized Christians, which makes Africa one of the BWA’s largest and most vibrant regions. Pastor Elias Apetogbo of Togo leads the AABF as its General Secretary.
Launching the Baptist Forum for Good Governance
A highlight of this year’s Gathering was the launch of the Baptist Forum for Good Governance (BFGG). The new network is a non-partisan platform established by the AABF. It brings together current and aspiring Baptist politicians, leaders and public figures from across Africa.
The Forum explores where Christian faith meets politics and public life. It aims to encourage “Godly men and women” to enter public service, to call for accountable leadership, and to protect the vulnerable by bringing Christian principles into policy-making. Its conversations center on three themes:
- Values-driven leadership, grounding governance in honesty, justice, humility and respect for every person.
- Integrity and accountability, confronting institutional corruption through ethical responsibility.
- Servant leadership, treating political office and influence as means of serving others rather than exercising power.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo
Al-Saliby contributed to the planning of the Forum. It held its inaugural event on Monday, October 5, 2026, at an International Executive Conference and Strategic Luncheon at Ridgeways Baptist Church in Nairobi.
Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, a committed Baptist, gave the keynote address and was honored with an official office within the Forum. Other participants included Rev. Dr. Bernard Obuya, National President of the Baptist Convention of Kenya; Kenyan politician and academic Prof. Philip Kaloki; and Hon. Dr. Dawari George.
Standing together for religious freedom
On the sidelines of the Gathering, al-Saliby met with Baptist leaders from several countries. They discussed the religious freedom challenges their churches and communities face, and explored ways 21Wilberforce can support their work.
21Wilberforce President Wissam al-Saliby with Baptist leaders at the 2026 All Africa Baptist Fellowship General Gathering in Nairobi, Kenya.
“Taking part in the launch of the Baptist Forum for Good Governance and in the All Africa Baptist Fellowship General Gathering was an opportunity to listen to the challenges our brothers and sisters on the continent face,” said al-Saliby, “and to learn how 21Wilberforce can support their advocacy for religious freedom, as well as for peace and security in countries suffering from violence and civil strife.
“The continent faces mighty struggles. So I am grateful for the leadership of Baptists, both pastors and politicians, in institutionalizing the fight for good governance, conflict resolution, human rights and religious freedom through the newly established forum.”
We give thanks for the faithful witness of our African Baptist brothers and sisters. We look forward to continuing this work together, beyond Jerusalem and to the ends of the earth.