Zimbabwe | ATscale

COUNTRY PROGRAMME KEY INFORMATION

Programme type:

Grant Investment:

Duration:

Implementing
Partners:

Functional domains:

Foundational Support

0.1 Million

2023-2024

Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI)

Cross-cutting

COUNTRY DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION

Total population:

GNI Per Capital (US$):

AT Unmet Need (%):

16.3 Million

2,060

-

Building a pipeline of countries for assistive technology investment

Map of Zimbabwe

Objectives of the programme: To advance Zimbabwe’s assistive technology landscape through the establishment of an assistive technology TWG and the launch of the national assistive technology strategy (2024-2025), including the development and endorsement of a National Priority APL, standardization of assistive technology data collection, and removal of import taxes on critical assistive devices.

Programme description: ATscale worked with CHAI to assess and improve the assistive technology landscape in Zimbabwe. This included the formation of a Technical Working Group and the development of a national assistive technology strategy and national priority assistive product list. We also refreshed Zimbabwe's data collection system, with questions on assistive technology being included in the T98 rehab return forms, and import tax removal on certain types of assistive product.

Programme results:

	With the support of ATscale partners, the government of Zimbabwe has ratified the National Assistive Product list (APL), which contains 55 products.
	The removal of import tax on essential assistive products (hearing aids, Braille materials and crutches). Using amended VAT regulations in Zimbabwe has increased accessibility and affordability.
	The National AT Strategy (2024-2025), launched in May 2024, establishes a framework for sustainable assistive technology development, harmonizing policies, optimizing resources, and fostering collaboration among assistive technology stakeholders.