The question of how best to develop useful research with, for and by persons with disabilities within the African region is complex. Many disability activists are suspicious of and hostile towards the entire research enterprise. The struggle of persons with disabilities in Africa is complicated by the absence of African understanding of disability. There is a general concern that Western theories with definitions rooted in the medical model of disability are promoted within the African region. Research will never be enough, and some disability research already exists on issues relating to health, welfare and access to services for persons with disabilities. Furthermore, there is a danger that the research community injected with international aid ‘cash’ may simply accumulate evidence without developing practicable solutions to address the ways in which society can become more responsive to, and inclusive of persons with disabilities. The challenge then was clear, it was not just more research that was needed; it was ‘improved’ research and research that can be translated into policy and practice. This was the rationale for the development of the African Network for Evidence-to-Action in Disability (AfriNEAD). This chapter covers the steps that were taken in the development of AfriNEAD.