Mastercard Foundation report highlights gaps, opportunities in Africa's assistive technology sector

The findings are contained in the Assistive Technology Landscape in Africa Report, launched by the Mastercard Foundation during the 7th Annual Inclusive Africa Conference in Nairobi. The report is described as the most comprehensive assessment of Africa's assistive technology ecosystem to date, covering all 54 African countries.

Developed by a research consortium led by Stellenbosch University, the study examined access to assistive technology, policy and regulatory frameworks, market systems, innovation capacity and the sector's economic potential, with a focus on youth inclusion and employment.

According to the report, an estimated 15 per cent of Africa's population lives with a disability, yet access to assistive technologies such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, screen readers, Braille devices and digital accessibility tools remains limited, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

Researchers identified several barriers to access, including high costs, limited availability of products, long distances to service providers and weak service delivery systems.

While many African countries have introduced disability inclusion and accessibility policies, the report notes that implementation has lagged behind policy commitments. Challenges cited include inadequate funding, weak coordination among stakeholders and gaps between legislative frameworks and service delivery.

The study also found signs of progress, with governments, organisations of persons with disabilities, researchers, innovators and development partners increasingly collaborating to strengthen the sector. However, the pace and scale of progress vary widely across countries.

One of the report's key findings is the growing role of African innovators in developing assistive technologies tailored to local needs. Despite this, most assistive technology products used across the continent are still imported, highlighting the need for greater investment in local manufacturing, research and innovation.

The report further identifies the assistive technology sector as an emerging source of employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, particularly for young people. Researchers argue that targeted investments and supportive policies could help expand the sector while advancing inclusive economic growth.

Speaking at the launch, Mastercard Foundation's Hannah Tsadik said the report provides evidence that can inform future investments, partnerships and policy decisions aimed at improving access to assistive technology for young people with disabilities.

Irene Mbari-Kirika, Founder and Executive Director of inABLE, said the findings reinforce the transformative role assistive technology plays in expanding access to education, employment and leadership opportunities for persons with disabilities.

The study was commissioned by the Mastercard Foundation and developed in partnership with the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Humanity and Inclusion, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI).

Researchers reviewed 185 scientific studies and 338 grey-literature documents to assess assistive technology needs, access barriers, policy environments and economic opportunities across Africa. The findings are expected to contribute to ongoing efforts to strengthen disability inclusion and expand access to assistive technology across the continent.