Next Wave of Assistive Technology Innovation in Africa

 Accelerating Impact: Shaping the Next Wave of Assistive Technology Innovation in Africa

Date: Friday, 6 June 2025

Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM EAT (Afternoon session open to press) 

Venue: Senses Hub, Spring Valley Business Park, Nairobi, Kenya

Africa’s assistive technology (AT) ecosystem stands at a crucial inflection point, as innovation, policy, and investment converge to drive forward inclusive solutions. On Friday, 6 June 2025, Assitive Technologies for Disability Trust together with the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub), Kilimanjario Blind Trust Africa (KBTA), Senses Hub and the Innovate Now Accelerator will host “Accelerating Impact: Shaping the Next Wave of Assistive Technology Innovation in Africa” at Senses Hub in Nairobi

Held immediately after the Inclusive Africa Conference, and funded by NORAD, the event will gather AT innovators from across the continent alongside policymakers, investors, international development partners, and media representatives. The aim is to move beyond dialogue catalyzing action that transforms local innovation into scalable impact.

This convening comes at a moment of significant legislative reform in Kenya. The recently passed Persons with Disabilities Act (2025) introduces a rights-based framework that recognizes assistive technology as an essential service. The law mandates public-sector support for AT provision, including subsidies, employer inclusion requirements, and improved cross-government coordination.

“This event marks a turning point from conversation to collaboration and capital. It’s where Africa’s assistive tech leaders meet the world,” said Bernard Chiira, CEO of Assistive Technologies for Disability Trust.

The afternoon will open with a keynote address by Bernard Chiira, who will launch the Innovate Now Impact Report, highlighting key learnings and outcomes from Africa’s first assistive technology accelerator.

Live venture showcases will follow, featuring innovators from Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, and Tanzania. Their solutions span a range of breakthrough technologies from low-cost eyeglasses to AI-powered communication tools. Expert panel discussions will explore critical topics, including:

• Implementation pathways for Kenya’s new disability law and its potential to expand AT access
• The launch of a catalytic investment fund targeting early-stage African AT ventures
• Strategies for building resilient innovation ecosystems that champion inclusive entrepreneurship and digital accessibility

The event will conclude with a networking reception, providing a platform for dialogue and partnership among innovators, government stakeholders, development agencies, investors, and the media. 

This gathering is designed to bridge the gap between grassroots innovation and the systems needed to sustain and scale impact ensuring legal frameworks translate into real-world change.

Organizers and Partners: The event is hosted by the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub), Assistive Technologies for Disability Trust, Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa, and Senses Hub, with support from NORAD and a diverse coalition of public and private sector partners dedicated to advancing global disability inclusion. 

Media Contacts:

Cynthia Kemunto 

Communications Lead, 

Hope Tech Plus / Senses Hub cynthia@hopetech.vision | info@senseshub.vision www.senseshub.vision 

Harrison Kamau 

Communications and Engagement Executive, 

GDI Hub 

h.kamau@ucl.ac.uk 

MaryCate Wanjiku 

Communications Officer, 

Assistive Technologies for Disability Trust communication@at4d.org