Southern & East Africa AT Innovation Database
Startups, research papers, case studies and institutions driving assistive technology innovation across the region.
Southern & East Africa AT Innovation Dashboard
Visualising the Assistive Technology Ecosystem in Resource-Constrained Environments
Resources by Type
Organization Types
Geographic Coverage
Key Innovation Highlights
Institutions Leading
20 institutions including NGOs, training centres, and advocacy organizations driving AT access and disability rights across the region.
Startup Ecosystem
17 startups developing innovative solutions from electric wheelchairs to smart canes, voice-guided technology, and accessible digital content platforms.
Research & Evidence
8 research studies and 7 case studies documenting AT innovation, disability inclusion, and ecosystem development in resource-constrained environments.
Key Global Sources of AT Resources
Leading organizations and initiatives advancing assistive technology access worldwide
Global Disability Innovation Hub (GDI Hub)
Leading organization coordinating several global and African programmes, including the AT2030 project. Tracks innovators and projects across Southern and East Africa, driving evidence-based approaches to improve assistive technology access.
Visit GDI Hub →AT2030
Led by GDI Hub and funded by UK aid. Tests ‘what works’ to improve access to life-changing assistive technology for all through evidence-based interventions and innovation.
Explore AT2030 →The Assistive Technology (AT) Map
First-of-its-kind visualisation of key innovators and stakeholders in the AT and disability innovation ecosystem across emerging markets. Published by a consortium of public and private actors.
View AT Map →AT4D – Assistive Technologies for Disability Trust
Evolved from Innovate Now, Africa’s first AT accelerator programme based in Nairobi, Kenya. Supports the development and scaling of assistive technology solutions across the continent.
Visit AT4D →ATscale, the Global Partnership for Assistive Technology
Cross-sector global partnership with a mission to transform people’s lives through assistive technology. Convenes governments, donors, implementing organizations, and the private sector.
Explore ATscale →ATconnect
Curated digital platform developed by ATscale, populated by contributions from the global assistive technology community. Connects stakeholders and shares knowledge across the AT ecosystem.
Visit ATconnect →WHO Global Cooperation on Assistive Technology (GATE)
WHO’s flagship initiative on AT. Developed the Priority Assistive Products List (APL), assessment tools, and technical guidance to support countries in strengthening AT within health and social systems.
Visit WHO GATE →Webinar on Assistive Technology Business Innovations
From 28th to 29th September 2021, the Southern Africa Federation of the Disabled (SAFOD) and Loughborough University organised a webinar to explore and share innovative business solutions that, if well supported, could help to increase access to assistive technology in Southern Africa. More on the webinar leaflet here.






