A new continent wide report has revealed that about 225 million Africans living with disabilities are currently shut out of education, work opportunities and digital life due to limited access to assistive technology.
The findings were released in the Assistive Technology Landscape in Africa Report, a study commissioned by the Mastercard Foundation and presented at the Inclusive Africa Conference in Nairobi. The report points to ongoing shortages in essential support tools such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, screen readers, Braille devices and other communication aids that many people rely on daily.
The research was carried out by a consortium led by Stellenbosch University, working alongside Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Humanity and Inclusion, and the Clinton Health Access Initiative. It is described as one of the most detailed reviews yet of how assistive technology is accessed across the continent.
According to the report, around fifteen percent of Africa’s population lives with some form of disability, yet access to the tools needed for independence remains uneven. High costs, limited supply, and weak distribution systems continue to stand in the way of many potential users.
The situation is even more difficult in rural and underserved communities, where people often travel long distances to reach service providers. Even when devices are available, repair services are scarce and out of pocket expenses remain a major burden.
Although many African countries have introduced policies aimed at improving disability inclusion, the report notes that enforcement and implementation remain weak. Challenges such as poor coordination between agencies and insufficient funding continue to slow progress.
Another major concern highlighted is the heavy reliance on imported assistive devices. With limited local production across the continent, affordability remains a challenge, and many products are not tailored to the specific needs of African users.
The report also observes a growing demand for assistive technologies driven by population growth, rising awareness of disability rights, and increased use of digital services. However, supply chains remain fragmented and underfunded, making access difficult for many who need support.
Financing gaps and weak procurement systems were also identified as major barriers preventing wider access to mobility aids, learning tools, and communication devices.
Despite these challenges, the report describes assistive technology as a growing sector with strong potential to create jobs and encourage innovation, especially in areas such as manufacturing, repairs, and digital accessibility solutions.
Through its Young Africa Works programme, the Mastercard Foundation is aiming to support thirty million young Africans into dignified employment by 2030, including about 1.5 million young people with disabilities under its inclusion strategy introduced in 2023.
The report is expected to guide future decisions on investment and policy across education systems, labour markets, and digital access frameworks. It stresses that assistive technology is becoming a key part of Africa’s inclusion drive, as governments and partners consider the long term cost of exclusion compared to the benefits of wider access.
