Pioneering AI for Disability Inclusion: New Study to Transform Access Across Africa

Assistive Technologies for Disability Trust (AT4D) in partnership with The Responsible Artificial Intelligence Lab (RAIL) at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), and Next Step Foundation (NSF), is excited to announce the launch of a pioneering initiative: the Scoping Study, Stakeholder Mapping and Regional Consultation on The Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Disability Innovation in Africa. This six-month project, running from March to August 2025, aims to unlock the transformative potential of AI to enhance accessibility and inclusion for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in Sub-Saharan Africa, starting with Kenya, Ghana, and Rwanda.

Led by Principal Investigator Prof. Jerry Kponyo (PhD) of RAIL, alongside Co-Principal Investigators Mr. Bernard Chiira (MSc) of AT4D and Dr. Christopher Harrisson (PhD) of NSF, the study will map the current landscape of AI and disability innovation, identify barriers and opportunities, and develop actionable recommendations to scale ethical, inclusive AI solutions. With Sub-Saharan Africa’s digital economy projected to reach $180 billion by 2025 and a vibrant community of innovators ready to lead, this initiative is critical to address the region’s undervalued assistive technology market and systemic challenges faced by PWDs.

“Artificial intelligence has the potential to enhance the lives of Persons with Disabilities significantly, but meaningful impact can only be achieved when they are actively involved in the innovation process. Through this initiative, we seek to bridge this gap by fostering AI-driven solutions that promote independence and create new opportunities for PWDs,” said Prof. Jerry Kponyo, PI and Scientific Director at RAIL.“By engaging Persons with Disabilities as co-researchers, we ensure that AI solutions are not merely designed for them but in collaboration with them. This participatory approach is essential for driving sustainable, inclusive, and impactful change.”

Key objectives include:

• Mapping the Landscape: Reviewing AI and assistive technology initiatives in Kenya, Ghana, and Rwanda to identify trends, stakeholders, and policy gaps.
• Understanding Local Needs: Assessing the preferences and challenges of at least 500 PWDs to propose context-sensitive innovations.
• Fostering Collaboration: Convening workshops and consultations with diverse stakeholders—PWDs, caregivers, Disabled Persons’ Organizations (DPOs), and tech leaders—to align innovation with local priorities.
• Delivering Insights: Providing evidence-based frameworks to guide the scaling of Disability AI solutions across the region.

Using a Participatory Action Research (PAR) approach, the project will position PWDs as co-researchers, ensuring their voices shape the outcomes. The study will also draw lessons from global leaders in AI policy to explore best practices.

“As we stand at the intersection of AI and disability, our goal is to ensure that the voices, needs, and aspirations of persons with disabilities in Africa are not only heard but actively shape the future. By engaging diverse stakeholders—from persons with disabilities and their communities to AI developers, startups, and policymakers—we aim to inform and co-create inclusive, transformative interventions that unlock the full potential of AI for everyone. This is about building a future where AI enables persons with disabilities to thrive, not just adapt,” said Bernard Chiira, CEO of AT4D.

The initiative is poised to deliver immediate results, such as a comprehensive ecosystem map and enhanced stakeholder collaboration, while laying the groundwork for long-term outcomes, including stronger AI policies and improved quality of life for PWDs.

“Africa must move from being a passive consumer of AI technologies to an active leader in their ethical development and deployment,” said Dr. Christopher Harrisson, Executive Chairman of NSF. “Through this initiative, and our broader Ai4SDG work, we are investing in local talent, inclusive data, and responsible innovation to ensure that AI reflects and responds to the realities of African communities—especially Persons with Disabilities.”

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

• Juliet Arthur: arthurjuliet100@gmail.com

About the Partners

• Responsible AI Lab (RAIL) at KNUST advances responsible AI research to address development challenges, supported by IDRC, FCDO, French Embassy in Ghana, and GIZ.
• Assistive Technologies for Disability Trust (AT4D) is Africa’s leading disability innovation organization, dedicated to fostering an inclusive innovation ecosystem and supporting startup development.
• Next Step Foundation (NSF) leverages AI and digital tools to solve global challenges, focusing on economic inclusion for marginalized African communities (Persons with Disabilities, Women and Youth)