Doctoral Thesis
How George’s Thesis Led to The AT Innovation Wiki
Building a global platform from African research insights
The Foundation
George Mwika Kayange did his PhD at Loughborough University London from October 2022 to November 2025. He studied assistive technology innovation ecosystems in Southern Africa. His focus was on Malawi.
His thesis, “Investigating Assistive Technology Ecosystems in Southern Africa: Lessons from Malawi”, became the foundation for this AT Innovation Wiki. The research examined how AT innovation ecosystems function in resource-constrained settings.
George’s research findings and insights inspired him to build this platform. It now shares knowledge about AT systems worldwide.
George’s Profile
- George holds an MBA in Project Management from the University of Zambia.
- He has a Bachelor of Science in Project Management from Institute of Development Management (IDM) in Botswana.
- His PhD builds on work from his time as Director of Programmes at Southern Africa Federation of the Disabled (SAFOD).
- He designed programs for persons with disabilities across the SADC region.
Key Experience
- George managed the AT Information Mapping Project (AT-Info-Map) for over seven years.
- Google Impact Challenge funded this work.
- The project developed a mobile app and web database.
- It mapped AT availability in Southern Africa.
- From June 2023 to May 2025, George served on the Advisory Technical Group of the ATscale Global Partnership.
Recognition
- George received a Commonwealth PhD Scholarship from the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK.
- The Commission provided full funding for his studies.
- As a Project Management Institute (PMI) certified professional, George holds PMP®, PMI ACP®, and CAPM® credentials.
- He mentors aspiring and mid-career project managers within small non-profits working especially in sub-Sahara Africa.
PhD Research Overview
The research addresses the gap between policy frameworks and real-world AT access. It examines Malawi’s AT ecosystem across three areas.
The three research areas were:
• Mobility assistive products.
• Skincare products for persons with albinism.
• Digital assistive technologies.
The thesis combines several frameworks. These include Innovation Ecosystem Theory, Open Innovation, Multilevel Modelling, Community Organising, Frugal Innovation, and Systems Thinking.
The study found common challenges across all sectors. These include resource constraints, knowledge gaps, and infrastructure barriers. Policy often disconnects from implementation.
Key Recommendations
The thesis proposes several solutions:
• Create a national AT policy coordination unit.
• Use standardized rapid AT Assessment (rATA).
• Set up an innovation fund for local production.
• Invest in rural digital infrastructure.
These proposals build on Malawi’s 2024 Persons with Disabilities Act. They align with the National Digitalisation Policy.
The research calls for formal cross-sector learning. It seeks longer-term ecosystem development. Donor strategies should move beyond short-term projects.
PhD Supervisors
Professor Mikko Koria supervised from the Institute for Creative Futures. Dr George Torrens supervised from the School of Design and Creative Arts.
📚 Read the Full Thesis
Access George’s complete doctoral research. Explore detailed findings on AT innovation ecosystems in Southern Africa.
View Thesis →George enjoys mentoring aspiring and mid-career project managers within small non-profits working especially in sub-Sahara Africa.
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