Landmark Gathering to Accelerate Assistive Technology Innovation Across Africa
At the sidelines of the Inclusive Africa conference, a new era for Africa’s assistive technology (AT) ecosystem began began at the “Accelerating Impact: Shaping the Next Wave of Assistive Technology Innovation in Africa” forum held at Senses Hub, Spring Valley Business Park, Nairobi.
Organised by Assistive Technologies for Disability Trust, the Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub), Kilimanjaro Blind Trust Africa (KBTA), Senses Hub and the Innovate Now Accelerator, with support from NORAD.The Innovate Now accelerator at the centre of this event was originally founded as part of the GDI Hub's AT2030 programme funded by the UK International Development to test 'what works' to improve access to life-changing Assistive Technology (AT). Today we are seeing the legacy of this investment into AT ecosystems in Kenya and beyond'
This event 'co-hosted by Ben Hardman, GDI Hub's Head of Innovation, and Louise Gebbett, GDI Hub's Director of Global Engagement addressed the future of funding in the sector' and brought together leading African AT innovators, government officials, investors and development partners with a shared goal to transform Africa’s local ingenuity into scalable solutions for millions of people with disabilities.
Taking place immediately after the Inclusive Africa Conference, the forum highlighted Kenya’s progressive momentum with the passing of the Persons with Disabilities Act (2025). This landmark legislation recognises assistive technology as a fundamental right and commits the public sector to providing greater support through subsidies, employer incentives and strengthened national coordination.
“This event marks a turning point from conversation to collaboration and capital. It is where Africa’s assistive tech leaders meet the world,” said Bernard Chiira, CEO of Assistive Technologies for Disability Trust, during his keynote. Chiira also launched the Innovate Now Impact Report, sharing lessons from Africa’s first AT accelerator programme.
The day featured venture showcases by innovators from Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria and Tanzania. Attendees experienced a diverse range of solutions from affordable eyeglasses to advanced AI tools designed to tackle accessibility challenges. Expert panels explored practical pathways for putting Kenya’s new disability law into practice, the launch of a catalytic AT investment fund and strategies to build resilient innovation ecosystems that support inclusive entrepreneurship and digital access.
Closing with a lively networking reception, the forum offered a strong platform for partnerships among innovators, government agencies, investors and global allies working to embed disability inclusion in every part of society.
Organisers say this gathering is only the beginning and aims to bridge the gap between local AT solutions and the policy, funding and infrastructure needed to scale them, ensuring that legal frameworks translate into real impact for Africa’s disability community.
The GDI Hub's AT2030 and Innovate Now programmes are proud to play a convincing role in bridging AT ecosystem in the region and beyond. By sharing knowledge and expertise, we are able to support new ventures to build for success, including Assistive Technology for Disability Trust (AT4D) that has emerged as an independent Kenyan OPD, led by CEO Bernard Chiira as a legacy to the Innovate Now accelerator'.
Watch the full news feature and highlights aired on TV.
