Africa marks Global AT Day with call for inclusive tech innovation
Kenya’s role as a digital innovation hub and its emphasis on accessibility as an economic opportunity has been lauded at the 6th Inclusive Africa Conference during the commemoration of Global Assistive Technologies (AT) Day.
Speaking during the event, Vice President of Accessibility and Engagement at Meta, Maxine Williams emphasised that digital accessibility is an economic opportunity, not just a moral imperative adding that: “When we build with accessibility in mind, we unlock opportunity. We invest in people, and people build economies.”
Globally, over 1.3 billion people, one in six, live with disabilities, yet far too many remain excluded from digital tools and services.
Williams stressed that accessibility should be integrated from the outset of product development, driving usability and growth for all.
According to Williams, Meta’s open-source AI tools, including Llama and Massively Multilingual Speech (MMS), are already revolutionising accessibility in Africa.
MMS supports over 1,100 languages, incorporating African languages that were previously excluded from AI.
Williams highlighted innovations such as Jacaranda Health’s llama-powered maternal health assistant in Kenya, HelpMum’s vaccine chatbot in Nigeria, Twiga’s teaching assistant in Tanzania, and FoondaMate’s AI study buddy, which is utilised by millions of students in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Meta is also enhancing accessibility across its global platforms, WhatsApp now includes voice message transcription, while Facebook and Instagram provide improved screen reader support and AI-generated alt text, features developed in collaboration with the disability community. “Real accessibility happens when those most impacted help design the solutions,” said Williams.
On her part, the Global Director of Gender & Economic Inclusion at the IFC, Nathalie Kouassi Akon reinforced the business case for investing in accessibility.
She shared the story of Regina, a Nairobi entrepreneur with a disability, whose business transformed after gaining access to a smartphone through an African fintech platform.
However, she warned that 80pc of rural Kenyans with disabilities still lack access to basic tech and services.
Akon highlighted the MOSAIC initiative, launched in conjunction with ATscale, to enhance Africa’s AT manufacturing and skills development.
The global AT market is projected to reach USD60 billion by 2030, and Africa stands to benefit significantly if the right investments are made. She also applauded efforts to create 500,000 jobs for young people with disabilities across the continent.
She called for greater collaboration between Governments, industry, and civil society to foster inclusive innovation and responsible AI development
The Global Assistive Technologies Day, celebrated annually on June 4, raises awareness of the critical role of assistive technologies in empowering individuals with disabilities. From screen readers to mobility aids, assistive technology (AT) enables millions to live independently, pursue education, and secure employment.
However, only 1 in 10 people worldwide have access to the AT they require. As demand is expected to surge, Global AT Day calls for bold innovation, stronger partnerships, and increased investment to close this gap.
This year’s celebration in Nairobi highlighted Africa’s growing leadership in shaping an inclusive digital future for all.