ATscale calls for smart, inclusive investment in assistive technology at Inclusive Africa 2025
At the 6th Inclusive Africa Conference, held from 3-5 June 2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, leaders from across the continent convened under the theme Scaling Digital Accessibility through Innovation & Entrepreneurship rallying to harness innovation-based solutions for disability inclusion.
Inclusive Africa 2025, hosted by inABLE, drew over 465 in-person attendees and 2,000 virtual participants, across Africa. The conference stands as Africa’s leading forum on digital accessibility and disability inclusion-bringing together policymakers, technology leaders and disability rights advocates. ATscale played a key role as a partner and co-sponsor of the event
In a highlight moment, Pascal Bijleveld, CEO of ATscale, sat down with Irene Mbari-Kirika, Founder and Executive Director of inABLE, for a powerful exchange as part of their Fireside Chat series, where Pascal explained the mission of ATscale to address the stark global gap in assistive technology access: nearly 90 per cent of those in high-income countries who need assistive technology can get it – compared with just 10 per cent in low-income countries. The interview provides valuable insights for policymakers, development partners and advocates looking to strengthen national systems for assistive technology access and implementation.
“AT is not just for persons with disabilities - it’s also for the ageing, for children needing glasses… it touches every corner of society,” Pascal emphasized, underlining the inclusive reach of AT.
“Invest in everyone, but start with the most vulnerable. If you can reach them, you can reach everyone. That’s the smartest investment you can make,” he challenged policymakers and partners.
Today, ATscale is expanding programmes for children with hearing and vision impairments, forging new collaborations with GDI Hub, UNICEF, and IFC - and deepening its presence in Ethiopia, Nigeria and Tanzania, while continuing its vital work in Kenya, Rwanda and Senegal, building upon early efforts in Zambia.
Sustaining innovation across sectors
During the conference, ATscale led a very well-attended interactive session, entitled Sustaining Disability Innovation: Affordability, Market Access, and Investment in Assistive Technology for all in Africa, which brought together innovators, assistive technology users, policymakers, donors and disability advocates, to discuss how Africa can build truly sustainable ecosystems for assistive technology.
During the session, Irene Mbari-Kirika stated, “Importing non-adaptive devices like wheelchairs unsuited for African terrain won’t work. We must innovate locally, sustainably and meaningfully.”
The message was clear: scaling AT is both a moral necessity and an economic opportunity. It demands a concerted collaboration among innovators, governments and financiers to encourage inclusive economic growth across Africa.
To promote action, inABLE announced that quarterly forums will be convened to help maintain momentum, address challenges and connect innovators, policymakers and users across borders.
In his keynote address, Pascal urged leaders to think beyond short-term fixes and instead design sustainable, locally relevant AT ecosystems. He outlined ATscale’s strategy to sustainably reach 500 million people, ensuring continuity after donor funding ends. He also called for greater political will, stronger public–private partnerships, and user-led innovation that places the lived experiences of persons with disabilities at the heart of design.
Recording transcript & translations
Evidence for change: The Smartphone Study
Two sessions - one led by Google and another by GDI Hub - explored findings from the landmark smartphone accessibility study. The research provided critical evidence of how mobile technology can serve as a powerful assistive technology, unlocking communication, education and economic opportunities for millions. Insights from these sessions are expected to guide product design, policymaking and market strategies, to ensure smartphones become universally accessible.
Celebrating World Day for Assistive Technology
The conference provided a unique opportunity to mark the 2nd World Day for Assistive Technology on 4 June. Attendees joined the #MeAndMyAT challenge, sharing stories, photos and videos of the assistive technology that helps them participate fully in everyday life.
“On World Assistive Technology Day, I’m grateful for my wheelchair. It is more than a mobility aid…it’s my key to independence and everyday life. Technology like this doesn’t just support movement…it supports dreams, goals and living fully. My chair is what helps me #UnlockTheEveryday.” said Mumsie Odirile, an actress and disability advocate, who participated in the conference.
The activity created a vibrant, personal connection between participants, sparking conversations on how assistive technology supports independence, access to education and work – and building solidarity across borders.
Read more about World Day for Assistive Technology 2025.
